Common Knee Injuries
The KneeThe knee joint is composed of three bones: the femur, the tibia and the patella. The proximal tibia-fibula joint is included in the knee, but is rarely injured. Articular cartilage covers the joint surface and provides a smooth lubricated gliding surface for knee motion. The shapes of the bony articulation provide very little inherent stability. Proper function depends upon intact ligaments. This includes the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medical collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). While the ACL functions as the main stabilizer to anterior knee translation, the PCL functions as the main stabilizer to posterior translation. The collateral ligaments are the main stabilizers to side to side stress. The medial and lateral menisci are located within the joint between the femur and tibia. At times they have been referred to as the "cartilage" in the knee joint, but it is important to differentiate these structures from articular cartilage which covers the ends of the bones within the joint. The menisci function as "shock absorbers" within the knee joint and also influence knee stability.
The front of the knee is protected by the patella or kneecap, which is attached to the quadriceps muscle by the quadriceps tendon and to the tibia by the patellar tendon. While the quadriceps muscle controls knee extension, knee flexion is controlled by the hamstring muscles.
Patella Tendinitis and Quadriceps TendinitisPatella tendinitis is a common injury following overuse or repetitive trauma to the extensor mechanism, such as basketball or volleyball. Patients usually present with pain in the front of their knee over the patella tendon associated with limited flexion and swelling. Treatment is directed towards a period of rest to allow the symptoms to subside followed by activity modification that limits high impact sports. Stretching and strengthening exercises are initiated once the pain subsides. Ice and short courses of NSAID's are helpful adjuncts.
In a similar fashion, the quadriceps tendon may become sore and irritated. This is usually manifested with tenderness in the soft tissue just above the patella. Treatment is similar to patellar tendinitis as discussed above.
BursitisBursae are synovial lined cavities that overly a bony prominence around the knee. Repetitive trauma from overuse or, more commonly, chronic irritation results in local inflammation and fluid collection within the bursa. The prepatellar bursa is the most commonly affected and when inflamed is called "housemaid's knee." The bursa overlying the attachment of the medial hamstrings or pes anserinus tendons on the tibia can also become inflamed. This is usually termed a pes bursitis and is usually caused by a repetitive activity such as running. Treatment is directed at stopping the irritating activity. Ice and a short course of NSAID's are useful. A compressive wrap is sometimes helpful. Aspiration is sometimes required for extreme cases.
Patellofemoral Pain and Chondromalacia Patella
Pain in the front of the knee is a common complaint and can be the result of numerous maladies. Sources of pain include patella malalignment, chondromalacia, osteoarthritis, osteochondral fractures, synovial plica, bursitis, tendinitis, and patella instability. An understanding of knee anatomy, as it relates to the mechanism of injury, is important in establishing a diagnosis. Your physician may need to perform ancillary tests in order to finalize a diagnosis. While the initial treatment is usually nonoperative, it is sometimes necessary to perform surgery to solve the problem.
Malalignment, along with acute or repetitive trauma, can lead to degenerative changes on the surface of the patella or femoral groove. Softening and erosive changes are referred to as chondromalacia. Initial treatment includes activity modification, ice and NSAID's. As the pain subsides, an exercise program is begun that usually focuses on stretching and strengthening. For those patients with recalcitrant cases, their physician may need to modify their treatment plan and consider surgical intervention.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament InjuriesACL tears are becoming more common, with an incidence of 250,000 cases per year in the United States. Women experience up to a sevenfold increase in ACL tears compared with men in competitive sports. The ACL is often torn during running sports when the foot is planted and the knee twists with a change of direction. Classically the individual feels a "pop" in the knee, and is unable to continue running or playing because of pain and a sense of instability. Besides a physical examination and x-rays, it may be necessary to perform a MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may be either operative or nonoperative and is dependent upon the individual's level of activity and degree of instability. It is important that the individual be counseled about the natural history of an ACL deficient knee by their patient before embarking on a course of treatment.
Nonoperative treatment involves a physical therapy program for restoration of motion and strength. Most athletes return to sports in 6- 8 weeks provided that they have achieved appropriate strength. The use of a brace is debatable, but may provide some subjective benefit. If an athlete suffers episodes of giving way with sports, then it should be assumed that the knee is functionally unstable and reconstructive surgery should be considered.
Current reconstructive techniques use an arthroscopic approach. The graft choices for an ACL reconstruction include the central one-third bone-patella tendon-bone; hamstring tendons and quadriceps tendon. Sometimes, allograft tissue is considered. Following the reconstructive procedure, a supervised and specialized rehabilitation program is necessary to restore motion and strength. In general most athletes return to sports by 6 to 9 months after surgery, but each case is individualized.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament InjuriesPCL injuries occur less often than ACL tears. Two common mechanisms of injury include a fall on a hyperflexed knee with the foot plantar flexed and striking the front of the tibia with the knee flexed - like a dashboard injury in a motor vehicle accident. Treatment may be operative or nonoperative depending upon the degree of instability and involvement of associated structures.
Meniscal Tears
Meniscal tears usually result from a twisting injury. Because the medial meniscus is less mobile than the lateral meniscus, it has a greater chance of being entrapped between the femur and tibia in the knee joint. Beyond the physical exam and x-rays, MRI has been useful in confirming the diagnosis. While some meniscal tears may heal with rest and activity modification, failure to respond to nonoperative treatment or repetitive episodes of catching or locking suggest that a surgical arthroscopy should be considered. Depending on the pattern and extent of the tear, the arthroscopy may involve either a partial menisectomy or meniscal repair. Following arthroscopy, an exercise program facilitates restoration of motion and strength.
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