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 injury?
A subchondral fracture is a fracture of the trabecular cancellous bone just beneath the subchondral bone plate without disruption of the articular surface 1.
What is a subchondral stress reaction?
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.
What is the treatment for subchondral fracture?
Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head (SIFFH) is characterized by acute onset hip pain without overt trauma. It appears as a low intensity band with bone marrow edema on T1-weighted MRI. The most common course of treatment is protected weight bearing for a period of several weeks.
What is bone marrow edema in the knee?
Bone marrow edema is a condition when excess fluids in the bone marrow build up and cause swelling. It is often caused by a response to an injury, such as a broken bone or a bruise, or a more chronic condition such as osteoporosis. Bone marrow edema most commonly occurs in the hips, knees and ankles.
How is a subchondral fracture treated?
Subchondroplasty is a technique indicated for treatment of early subchondral fractures or stress related marrow edema associated with osteoarthritis and involves the injection of synthetic calcium phosphate into the trabecular space, providing mechanical support.
Do insufficiency fractures heal?
It can happen at any age, but most younger patients will heal on their own with rest and time. Older adults and those with conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are at higher risk for an insufficiency fracture becoming chronic, meaning that it has not healed after about three months.
What is subchondral edema in the knee?
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage, which provides a cushion in a normal knee joint, is worn out. This leads to an overload of stress in your knee causing swelling or edema and can cause damage both in the joint and in the bone just below the joint, known as the subchondral bone.
How do you treat bone edema in the knee?
Traditional treatments for bone marrow edema usually involve rehabilitation through physiotherapy and rest. Ice, medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and even a crutch or a cane can help as well.
Can you walk with a femoral stress fracture?
Femoral stress fractures take several months to fully heal. If the pain is manageable and you can walk without too much discomfort, start with at-home treatment. Stop any moderate activity and repetitive, stressful exercises (running, squatting, cycling).
Is bone marrow edema in the knee serious?
Bone marrow edema in the knee can occur from a variety of causes through physical stress, inflammation, or decreased blood supply to the bone marrow. If left untreated, bone marrow edema can progress and cause further bone damage that can be very painful and significantly impact your functional abilities.
Can bone edema go away?
In many cases, bone marrow edema will go away with rest, therapy, and pain meds like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You may have to rest for several months to feel better. In more serious cases, your doctor may suggest other medicines and surgery.