Joint Fractures

What are fractures around joints?

An injury near a joint can be especially painful and disruptive, affecting how you move, work and go about daily life. Fractures that occur close to or within a joint are often called periarticular or joint-related fractures. These types of injuries require careful evaluation and expert treatment to support proper healing.

At Novant Health, our specialists provide personalized, compassionate care to help relieve pain, restore function and protect the long-term health of your joints.

Fractures around joints occur when a bone breaks near the point where it meets another bone. These injuries commonly affect major joints such as the knee, elbow, shoulder and hip. Since joints depend on precise alignment and smooth surfaces to move comfortably, even small fractures can lead to stiffness, swelling and reduced mobility if not treated properly.

A fracture near a joint doesn’t just cause short-term discomfort. It can also impact your independence and quality of life. Our team is here to guide you through every step of diagnosis, treatment and recovery with a plan tailored to your needs and goals.

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Close-up of a human hip joint with a highlighted fracture, showing damaged bone and red inflammation.

Joint anatomy

Joints are designed to move smoothly and bear daily stress. The ends of bones are covered with cartilage, a smooth tissue that reduces friction and absorbs impact. When a fracture occurs near or within the joint surface, cartilage may be damaged and the normal shape of the joint disrupted. Surrounding ligaments, tendons and muscles can also be affected.

Accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential to restore alignment, preserve cartilage and support healthy joint motion.

Overview

Where these fractures commonly occur

Knee

Knee fractures often involve the end of the thighbone (femur) or the top of the shinbone (tibia). Pain, swelling and difficulty bearing weight are common. Proper alignment is critical to prevent stiffness and post-traumatic arthritis.

Elbow

Fractures near the elbow may affect the humerus, radius or ulna. Because the elbow is essential for bending and rotating the arm, even small fractures can limit motion if not treated early.

Shoulder

Shoulder fractures often involve the humeral head or collarbone and typically result from falls or direct impact. Treatment may range from immobilization to surgical repair, depending on severity.

Hip

Hip fractures, especially near the ball of the joint, are more common in older adults. Many require surgical repair or replacement to restore mobility and support independence.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a fracture near a joint may include:

Immediate pain and swelling

Bruising or visible deformity

Limited movement or inability to use the limb

Difficulty bearing weight

Stiffness that worsens after rest

Even mild symptoms should be evaluated, as some fractures are not immediately obvious.

Causes

Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome don’t have one clear cause. Instead, a combination of factors can increase swelling or pressure inside the carpal tunnel, including:

Overuse of repetitive activities
Swelling due to pregnancy
Diabetes, thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis
Swelling from fractures or other acute injuries

Diagnosis

Your evaluation begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Imaging studies such as X-rays help identify the location and severity of the fracture. For more complex injuries, CT scans or MRI imaging may be used to assess joint surfaces and soft tissues. We take time to explain your results clearly so you understand your condition and treatment options.

Why treatment matters

Your path toward healing

Treatment depends on the type of fracture, joint involved and your overall health.

Non-surgical care may include immobilization with a cast, brace or sling, activity modifications, pain management and physical therapy once healing begins.

Surgical treatment may be recommended for displaced or unstable fractures and can involve realigning the bone with plates, screws or rods, or reconstructing or replacing the joint when damage is severe.

Rehabilitation plays a key role in recovery, helping restore strength, flexibility and confidence in movement.

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.