A sudden fall, car accident, or sports injury can leave you with severe knee pain and the fear that something is seriously wrong. If you cannot bear weight or your knee looks swollen or deformed, you may have a fracture.
Cristobal Beiro, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine. Highly experienced in treating complex knee conditions, he provides advanced fracture care in Avenel, NJ.
What Is a Knee Fracture?
A fracture is a break in one of the bones that form the knee joint. These may include:
- The distal femur (end of the thighbone)
- The proximal tibia (top of the shinbone)
- The patella (kneecap)
Fractures range from small cracks to severe breaks in which the bone shifts out of place. Some injuries also involve damage to cartilage, ligaments, or surrounding soft tissue.
Causes of Knee Fractures
Knee fractures most commonly result from high-impact trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from significant heights, or direct blows during contact sports. Athletes involved in football, skiing, or basketball face an elevated risk due to sudden twisting forces and collisions. Older adults with osteoporosis may sustain fractures from relatively minor falls. Pre-existing bone conditions, previous knee injuries, and repetitive stress can also weaken the bone structure and increase fracture susceptibility over time.
Symptoms of a Broken Knee
You may experience:
- Intense pain
- Immediate swelling
- Inability to bear weight
- Visible deformity
- Bruising or warmth around the joint
Prompt evaluation with X-rays or advanced imaging is critical to determine the extent of the injury.
Treatment Options for Knee Fractures
Treatment depends on the fracture’s location and severity.
Non-Operative Treatment
If the bones remain properly aligned, non-operative treatment may include:
- Bracing or immobilization
- Limited or no weight bearing
- Follow-up imaging
- Physical therapy after healing
Surgical Fracture Repair
Surgery may be recommended if:
- The bone fragments are displaced
- The joint surface is affected
- The fracture is unstable
- There is an associated ligament injury
Surgical repair may involve plates, screws, or other fixation devices to stabilize the bones while they heal. Dr. Beiro uses advanced techniques to restore proper alignment and joint stability.
Recovery After a Knee Fracture
Healing times vary depending on the type of fracture and whether surgery is required. Most patients need a period of restricted weight bearing followed by rehabilitation to regain motion and strength.
Physical therapy is essential for reducing stiffness and supporting long-term knee function. With appropriate care, many patients return to normal daily activities.
Why Choose Cristobal Beiro, MD, for Fracture Treatment in Avenel, NJ?
Dr. Cris Beiro earned his medical degree and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at Rutgers University – New Jersey School of Medicine. He went on to complete a sports medicine fellowship at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.
Board-certified and highly experienced in complex knee surgery, Dr. Beiro is co-founder of Garden State Bone and Joint and serves as an attending physician at several area hospitals. His approach combines advanced surgical skill with compassionate, patient-focused care.
Restore Stability After a Fracture
A knee fracture can disrupt your mobility and independence. With expert evaluation and precise treatment, you can rebuild strength and protect your long-term joint health.
If you’ve suffered a knee fracture in Avenel, NJ, contact Cristobal Beiro, MD, at (732) 283-2663 to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.
