Difficult Intra and Periarticular Fractures

A periarticular fracture occurs when a bone breaks inside or around a joint. In addition to the fracture, this type of break can also damage joint tissues and the cartilage on the ends of the affected bones.

Periarticular fractures most often affect the bones that make up the joints located in your legs and arms, including the shin, thigh or ankle bone in your leg and elbow or wrist in your arm. The knee is a common location for a periarticular fracture. These injuries are typically caused by a high-energy impact, like a car accident or fall from a significant height. Osteoporosis or arthritis and its associated bone loss and weakness may also lead to periarticular fractures, particularly in older individuals.

An intraarticular fracture is a fracture that crosses a joint surface. Such fractures also involve some cartilage damage. Fractures to joints are more complicated to treat and heal than simple fractures, as multiple bones are involved. Bone fragments inside the damaged joint may impede healing time and efficacy.Often, ligaments are torn or separated from the joint surfaces as well, also impeding the healing process.