What causes knee tibial fracture with inability to bend the knee, and how should it be managed?

Jun 05, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Knee tibial fractures with inability to bend may be related to severe fracture location, joint space filling materials, anterior cruciate ligament injury, etc., and can be treated through medication, surgery, or other interventions. A severe fracture site in the tibial knee area may lead to bone displacement or fragmentation, resulting in excessive separation of fracture ends and uneven joint surfaces, thereby preventing normal movement during joint flexion.

Knee tibial fractures with inability to bend the knee may be related to severe fracture location, soft tissue interposition within the joint space, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and other factors. Treatment options include medication, surgery, and other interventions. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Severe Fracture Location

A severely displaced tibial plateau fracture may result in bone misalignment or fragmentation, leading to excessive separation of fracture fragments and an uneven joint surface. This can prevent normal movement during knee flexion. In such cases, surgical intervention is required—using internal fixation devices such as screws or metal plates to stabilize the fractured area, restore proper alignment, and reestablish joint surface integrity.

2. Joint Space Soft Tissue Interposition

The knee joint contains numerous soft tissues, including ligaments and muscles. If a gap exists at the fracture site, surrounding soft tissues may become trapped within the joint space, impeding normal motion and causing restricted knee flexion. Surgical intervention is necessary to remove the interposed tissue, often performed arthroscopically, to clear and repair the joint and restore normal joint space.

3. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury

The ACL is a critical structure connecting the femur and tibia. If a fracture is accompanied by ACL injury, it may impair the ability to bend the knee. ACL injuries typically require surgical reconstruction or conservative management with physical therapy, including structured rehabilitation exercises.

In addition to the above common causes, restricted knee flexion may also be associated with muscle spasms or contractures, nerve damage, and other complications. During recovery, patients should avoid high-load activities to prevent further injury to the fractured site and surrounding tissues.


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