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Is A Small Non Displaced Subchondral Fracture In Lateral Femoral Condyl Serious?
I have an MRI result that states I have a small non displaced subchondral fracture in the lateral femoral condyl with mild edema in the marrow. This is accompanied with a complete or near complete tear of the ACL. This injury happened tow months before I was given the MRI. My ortho DR only discussed possible surgical repair for the ACL if it doesn t feel stable but nothing about the fracture. I am having a lot of pain and still some swelling int the joint even after a cortisone shot. I use a brace when I m out and about but otherwise I don t. Should I be concerned about this fracture and should I be adjusting my treatment? Ps I also have some arthritis in this knee and have fibromyalgia. Thanks for any advise you can give me. Cindy
posted on
Fri, 6 Jun 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 29 Apr 2016
Answered on
Fri, 29 Apr 2016
Last reviewed on
hi
thank you for providing the brief history of you.
A thorough musculoskeletal assessment is advised.
As the surgeon mentioned an ACL reconstruction is required he is correct as the ACL ligament helps the stability of the knee joint while movement. also, for the non-displaced fracture of the condyle of femur it is not always needed to make an effort for surgery as it is non displaced. Non-displaced fracture can be treated conservatively better than operation. Since you should look for ACL reconstruction now and stabilize the knee joint where it will heal. In the case of lower limb fracture the Duration of healing is 6-8 weeks depending upon the individual's physiology.
Post which a physical therapist will help your case take further for proper strengthening, ROM and gait.
Usually patient recovers well in 8-12 weeks based on the type of fracture and the recovery process. Slow and steady wins the race.
Since the surgeon wants to save the natural joint I appreciate him for this.
Regards
Jay Indravadan Patel
thank you for providing the brief history of you.
A thorough musculoskeletal assessment is advised.
As the surgeon mentioned an ACL reconstruction is required he is correct as the ACL ligament helps the stability of the knee joint while movement. also, for the non-displaced fracture of the condyle of femur it is not always needed to make an effort for surgery as it is non displaced. Non-displaced fracture can be treated conservatively better than operation. Since you should look for ACL reconstruction now and stabilize the knee joint where it will heal. In the case of lower limb fracture the Duration of healing is 6-8 weeks depending upon the individual's physiology.
Post which a physical therapist will help your case take further for proper strengthening, ROM and gait.
Usually patient recovers well in 8-12 weeks based on the type of fracture and the recovery process. Slow and steady wins the race.
Since the surgeon wants to save the natural joint I appreciate him for this.
Regards
Jay Indravadan Patel
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