Common Knee Injuries

Knee Structure (http://theknee.com/)

Strength of the Knee (Stability) The stability of the joint is based on all parts working together. Ligaments hold the joint in the correct position and the meniscus is the cartilage that sits between the bones acting as the shock absorber.

Ligament Tears Grades I : less than 1/3 of ligament fibers are damaged or torn II : between 1/3 and 2/3 of ligament fibers are damaged or torn III : more than 2/3 of ligament fibers are damaged or torn (usually ruptured!)

ACL Tear Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Orthopedic Test = Anterior Drawer Test

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Mechanism of Injury : hyperextension or changing directions quickly or slowing down quickly Often hear a pop

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Mechanism of Injury : knee is forced backward Dashboard Injury

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Orthopedic Test : Posterior Sag Test

Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)

Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Mechanism of Injury : Varus force (force from inside causes ligament to rupture on lateral side)

Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Orthopedic Test : Varus Stress Test

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Mechanism of Injury : Valgus force from outside forces ligament on inside to tear

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Orthopedic Test : Valgus Stress Test

Meniscal Tear Tears can occur from TWISTING, Hyperflexion, or Hyperextension This is the shock absorber of the knee – any damage can result in a weekend joint, pain, fluid and other issues.

Types of Meniscus Tears

Meniscus Tear Orthopedic Test : Mc Murray’s

Patella Dislocation

Patella Dislocation Patella dislocates LATERALLY Orthopedic Test : Apprehension Test

Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)

IT Band Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)

IT Band Syndrome Caused by irritation of IT band Pain is usually felt down in the lateral knee Go by signs and symptoms