What is it?

Fracture fixation is surgery to stabilise broken bones around the knee joint, including the tibial plateau at the top of the shin bone and the patella, which is the kneecap.

Plates, screws, or wires are used to hold the bone in place while it heals.

What happens when it occurs?

Fractures around the knee can disrupt joint alignment, cartilage surfaces, and the ability to bear weight.

Without proper fixation, long-term problems such as arthritis, deformity, or chronic pain may occur.

Surgery restores the joint anatomy, allowing for safe healing and improved knee function.

Common causes and risk factors

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls from height
  • Direct blows to the knee
  • Osteoporosis or low bone density that raises fracture risk

Who is most affected?

Adults in high-energy trauma, older adults with weakened bone, and athletes exposed to contact or falls.

Typical symptoms

  • Severe pain and swelling
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Visible deformity or displacement
  • Bruising around the knee

When to consider surgery

  • Displaced fractures on X-ray or CT
  • Joint surface irregularity that affects load-bearing
  • Failure to extend the knee because a patella fracture disrupts the tendon mechanism

How surgery is performed

Fractures are realigned and stabilised with plates, screws, or tension band wiring.

In some cases, a bone graft is used.

Surgery aims to restore joint surfaces as close to normal as possible.

The hospital stay ranges from two to seven days, depending on the severity.

Rehabilitation after surgery

At Spinal and Sports Care, rehabilitation is tailored to the specific fracture type and surgical instructions.

Early phase, zero to six weeks: pain and swelling control, safe use of crutches, limited weight bearing if advised, and gentle range of motion.

Intermediate phase, six to twelve weeks: gradual increase in weight bearing, progressive strength work for quadriceps and hamstrings, and balance training.

Advanced phase, three to six months: functional retraining, stair work, and low-impact conditioning.

Return to activity, six to twelve months: strength, endurance, and sport-specific training once the bone has fully healed.

Prevention of further injury

  • Fall prevention strategies
  • Bone health optimisation with diet, vitamin D, and resistance exercise
  • Protective equipment or technique modification in sport

Latest insights

Improved fixation methods and imaging techniques allow for more accurate reconstruction of joint surfaces.

Early and guided rehabilitation improves long-term function and reduces stiffness.

Restoring alignment helps prevent early arthritis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Timeframes depend on the procedure and your starting capacity. We progress when pain is controlled, swelling is down, and movement and strength targets are met. Expect a structured plan and criteria to guide you more than the calendar.

Yes, inside your plan. Keep pain during activity at or below 3 out of 10 and ensure it is no worse than the next morning. Use supports and aids as directed.

Imaging is used in conjunction with surgical decisions or when progress stalls. Your clinician will advise on whether an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI is most useful.

They protect healing tissue in early phases. We reduce support as control and strength improve, then remove them for strengthening and gait retraining. You will be guided by your surgeon and health care practitioner.

Ice helps early when swelling and pain dominate. Heat helps later when stiffness is the main issue.

If the pain is 2 out of 10 or less the next morning, swelling is stable, strength is within 90 per cent of the other side, and you pass your functional tests for the procedure.

Cut the next session’s volume by 20 to 30 per cent, keep your strength work, elevate and ice, then retest the following day.

Most people return in stages. Drive when you can load and move the knee safely and brake firmly without pain, and when medications do not impair you. Your clinician and surgeon will provide guidance.