Displaced Tibial Tuberosity Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Displaced fracture of the tibial tuberosity is a condition characterized by a broken bone in the upper part of the shinbone where the patellar tendon attaches. This injury typically occurs in teenagers or young athletes who engage in sports activities involving jumping or rapid changes in direction. The tibial tuberosity, a bony prominence at the front of the tibia, can become fractured when excessive force is applied to it, causing the bone to break and shift out of its normal position. Symptoms of a displaced fracture of the tibial tuberosity include severe pain, swelling, difficulty walking or bending the knee, and visible deformity. Prompt medical attention is necessary to properly diagnose and treat this condition, which may involve immobilization with a cast or brace, pain management, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the fractured bone. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are usually recommended to restore strength and range of motion in the affected knee.