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Orthopedic Fracture Specialist in Jacksonville, Florida

Hip and Knee Fractures: Expert Care When It Matters Most

A hip or knee fracture is one of the most serious orthopedic injuries a person can experience. Whether it happens from a fall, a car accident, a collision on the field, or in some cases simply the result of bones weakened by osteoporosis, the impact on your mobility, independence, and daily life can be immediate and significant. How a fracture is managed from the start plays a major role in how well and how completely a patient recovers.

Dr. John Redmond is a Mayo Clinic-trained orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience treating hip and knee fractures in patients of all ages, from high-energy injuries in younger, more active patients to fragility fractures in older adults. He offers both surgical and non-surgical treatment depending on the type and location of the fracture, the patient's overall health, and their recovery goals. Whether that means surgical fixation, joint replacement, or a carefully monitored non-operative approach, his priority is the same in every case: get you stable, get you moving, and set you up for the best possible long-term outcome.

If you or someone you love has sustained a hip or knee fracture and needs expert orthopedic care in Jacksonville, Dr. Redmond is ready to help. Request an appointment today.

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Hip and Knee Fracture Treatment in Jacksonville, Florida

What You Need to Know About Hip and Knee Fractures

Dr. Redmond treats the full range of hip and knee fractures, from isolated tibial plateau fractures in young athletes to complex femoral neck fractures in older adults with osteoporosis. His evaluation process begins with a thorough review of imaging and symptoms, followed by a clear explanation of the injury and a discussion of all available treatment options. Here is an overview of what that care typically involves.

Hip Fractures: Types and Treatment

Hip fractures are most common in older adults but can occur at any age following high-energy trauma. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, and fractures most often occur in the upper portion of the femur. The location of the break determines both how the fracture is classified and how it is best treated:

  • Femoral neck fractures: Occur just below the ball of the hip joint; often repaired surgically with screws, or treated with hip replacement if blood supply to the femoral head has been compromised
  • Intertrochanteric fractures: Occur between the bony prominences of the upper femur; typically stabilized with plates, screws, or an intramedullary rod
  • Subtrochanteric fractures: Occur lower along the femur shaft; generally require intramedullary nailing for stabilization

For most hip fracture patients, prompt surgical repair is the safest path forward. Early mobilization significantly reduces the risk of complications associated with prolonged immobility, including blood clots, pneumonia, and pressure injuries. For patients who are not surgical candidates, non-operative management with careful monitoring and physical therapy may be appropriate.

Fractures Around the Knee

Fractures around the knee most commonly involve the tibial plateau (the top surface of the shinbone), the distal femur, or the patella. These injuries often result from significant force and can range from stable, non-displaced breaks to complex, multi-fragment injuries that involve the joint surface. Treatment options include:

  • Non-surgical management: Casting, bracing, and protected weight bearing for stable, well-aligned fractures
  • Surgical fixation: Plates, screws, or rods to restore proper alignment in displaced fractures or fractures that involve the joint surface
  • Knee replacement: Considered in severe distal femur fractures with significant joint involvement, particularly in older patients with pre-existing knee arthritis

Dr. Redmond evaluates each fracture on its own merits and walks every patient through the full picture before making any recommendations.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovering from a hip or knee fracture takes time, but with the right care and a structured rehabilitation plan, most patients are able to return to meaningful activity. Dr. Redmond builds each recovery plan around the patient's overall health, the nature of the injury, and what they want to get back to. Physical therapy plays a central role in restoring strength, range of motion, and confidence in the affected joint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of hip fractures?

Hip fractures are classified based on where the break occurs in the upper femur. The three most common types are:

  • Femoral neck fractures: Occur just below the ball of the hip joint and often require surgical repair or hip replacement
  • Intertrochanteric fractures: Occur between the trochanters and are typically stabilized with plates, screws, or an intramedullary rod
  • Subtrochanteric fractures: Occur lower along the femur shaft and generally require intramedullary nailing

Not every hip fracture is the same, and treatment depends on the specific location and severity of the break.

How is a broken hip treated?

Most hip fractures are treated surgically, since early stabilization allows patients to begin moving sooner and reduces the risk of serious complications from prolonged immobility. The specific procedure depends on the fracture type:

  • Femoral neck fractures may be repaired with screws, or treated with hip replacement if the blood supply to the bone has been compromised
  • Intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures are typically stabilized with plates, screws, or an intramedullary rod

Non-surgical management may be appropriate for patients who are not surgical candidates, with close monitoring and structured physical therapy.

Can a knee fracture be treated without surgery?

It depends on the fracture. Stable, non-displaced fractures of the tibial plateau, distal femur, or patella can sometimes be managed non-surgically with casting, bracing, and protected weight bearing while the bone heals. However, fractures that are displaced, involve the joint surface, or cannot be adequately stabilized without intervention typically require surgical fixation. Dr. Redmond evaluates each case individually and walks patients through all of their options before making any recommendations.

How do I schedule with a fracture doctor near me in Jacksonville?

Dr. Redmond's practice is located in Jacksonville, Florida, with two convenient office locations serving the Beaches area and Southside Jacksonville. You can request an appointment online at any time, and our team will follow up promptly to confirm your visit. We look forward to seeing you.

Ready to Get the Orthopedic Care You Need? Request a Consult Today.

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