Intraarticular fracture

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Intraarticular fracture
Synonyms	Intra-articular fracture
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, joint instability, decreased range of motion
Complications	Post-traumatic arthritis, joint stiffness, chronic pain
Onset	Sudden, typically following trauma
Duration	Varies, depending on severity and treatment
Types	Comminuted fracture, displaced fracture, non-displaced fracture
Causes	Trauma, sports injuries, falls, motor vehicle accidents
Risks	Osteoporosis, high-impact sports, previous fractures
Diagnosis	Physical examination, X-ray, CT scan, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Sprain, dislocation, contusion
Prevention	Protective gear, fall prevention, osteoporosis management
Treatment	Immobilization, surgery, physical therapy
Medication	Pain management, anti-inflammatory drugs
Prognosis	Varies, depending on severity and treatment
Frequency	Common in athletes and elderly
Deaths	N/A

A type of bone fracture involving a joint surface

An intra-articular fracture is a type of bone fracture where the break extends into the surface of a joint. This type of fracture can lead to arthritis if not properly treated, as it involves the articular cartilage that covers the ends of bones in a joint.

Causes

Intra-articular fractures are often caused by high-impact trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from height, or sports injuries. These fractures can also occur due to osteoporosis, where the bones are weakened and more susceptible to breaking.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an intra-articular fracture include:

• Severe pain at the site of the fracture
• Swelling and bruising
• Inability to move the affected joint
• Deformity or abnormal position of the joint

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an intra-articular fracture typically involves:

• Physical examination
• X-ray imaging to visualize the fracture
• CT scan or MRI for detailed images of the joint and surrounding soft tissues

Treatment

Treatment of intra-articular fractures depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Options include:

• Immobilization with a cast or splint
• Closed reduction and casting for less severe fractures
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for more severe fractures, involving surgical alignment and stabilization with plates and screws
• Physical therapy to restore function and mobility

Prognosis

The prognosis for intra-articular fractures varies. Early and appropriate treatment is crucial to prevent complications such as post-traumatic arthritis. Recovery may take several months, and some patients may experience long-term joint stiffness or pain.

See also

• Fracture (bone)
• Joint
• Arthritis
• Orthopedic surgery