How long does a subchondral fracture of the knee take to heal?

Since a recovery time of up to 3 years is documented for subchondral insufficiency fractures of the knee, the patient may have potential for further recovery.

What is a subchondral fracture of the medial femoral condyle?

Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIF/SIFK) are stress fractures in the femoral condyles or tibial plateau that occur in the absence of acute trauma, typically affecting older adults.

How is a subchondral fracture treated?

Treatment and prognosis Joint preserving surgical treatments of subchondral fractures include microfracture, drilling, subchondroplasty 10, or in the hip joint: transtochanteric osteotomy 11. High-grade fluid-filled lesions with cortical collapse and severe osteoarthritis might require arthroplasty.

What is a subchondral fracture?

Subchondral insufficiency fractures (SIF) are a type of stress fracture which occurs below the cartilage on the weight bearing surface of a bone. SIF occur when normal physiological forces are repeatedly applied to an area of bone compromised by non-tumorous disease, resulting in fracture.

How long does it take for a fractured femoral condyle to heal?

Recovery. Most femoral shaft fractures take 3 to 6 months to completely heal. Some take even longer, especially if the fracture was open or broken into several pieces or if the patient uses tobacco products.

What is a femoral condyle fracture?

What is a fracture of the femoral condyle? A femoral condyle is the ball-shape located at the end of the femur (thigh bone). There are two condyles on each leg known as the medial and lateral femoral condyles. If there is a fracture (break) in part of the condyle, this is known as a fracture of the femoral condyle.

How long does it take for a subchondral fracture to heal?

Traditionally, conservative therapy is continued for 3 months, but it has been demonstrated that in reversible cases of subchondral fracture, bone marrow edema required an average of 5 months to resolve,7 so a longer period of conservative treatment and observation may be preferable.

How is femoral condyle fracture treated?

Femoral medial condyle fracture is a rare fracture. As with any articular injury, anatomical restoration of the joint surface must be obtained, then lag screw fixation is required. In fractures with a vertical fracture line, a buttress plate is necessary to counteract the vertical shear forces.

Can you walk with a fractured femur?

A femur fracture may cause extreme pain in the upper leg area or hip area. It also may cause lesser pain in the buttocks, knee, thigh, groin, or back. You may experience: Difficulty walking, or inability to walk, move the leg, or stand.

Does a femoral condyle fracture require surgery?

Isolated coronal fracture of medial femoral condyle with intact lateral femoral condyle is extremely rare [,,], caused by a direct impact on the flexed knee during weight bearing [3]. Surgery is the gold standard for displaced fractures or to enable rapid return of knee function.

How long does a medial femoral condyle fracture take to heal?

Medial Femoral Condyle Fracture Study Results The patients had their medial femoral condyle fractures repaired using surgery. Their fractures were fixated using screws and most patients made a full recovery in a few months. The average time for a complete union of the fracture was around 4.5 months.

Is breaking your femur the worst pain?

Broken Femur The femur is considered the longest, largest and strongest bone in the human body. So, when a bone of this size and strength is literally snapped in two, the pain is not only immediately agonizing, but also prolonged over a long period of time.

What is a nondisplaced subchondral fracture?

Nondisplaced means that a fracture is present in the bone but the bone fragments have not separated. Subchondral refers to the bone below the joint.

Can you walk on a medial malleolus fracture?

Ankle undisplaced medial malleolus fracture. Using your foot: The boot you have been given is not needed to aid fracture healing but will help with your symptoms and should be worn whenever you’re walking. You may walk on the foot as comfort allows . You will find it easier to walk with crutches in the early stages.

What is a subchondral fracture of the knee?

Subchondral insuffiency fracture of the knee is a reversible form of spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee and affects individuals younger in age.

What bone is distal to the femur?

The tibia is located in the lower leg medial to the fibula, distal to the femur and proximal to the talus of the foot. It is widest at its proximal end near the femur, where it forms the distal end of the knee joint before tapering along its length to a much narrower bone at the ankle joint.