Download Knee Injuries

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Hinge joint at the articulation (point of
contact) of 3 bones
Stabilized by 4 major ligaments, cartilage,
and strong musculature
Knee also able to rotate
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3 bones form the knee joint
◦ Femur, tibia, fibula
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Primary movement occurs at the POC of the
tibia and femur
Patella = sesamoid (floating bone)
As the knee flexes and extends, the patella
glides up and down on the front of the femur
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4 primary knee ligaments
Medial collateral ligament (MCL)-provides
stability to the inside (medial) aspect of knee
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)-helps
stabilize outside (lateral) aspect
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-keeps tibia
from moving forward on the femur
 Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-prevents
tibia from moving backward on femur
*PCL and ACL pass thru the middle of the knee
joint and cross each other
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Ends of tibia and femur are covered and
cushioned by pieces of tough cartilage tissue
called menisci
Without menisci, tibia and femur would rub
against each other, causing the bones to wear
down quickly
Menisci also help stabilize the joint
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Provide movement and stability
Primary muscles include hamstring group and
quadricep group
Knee extension primarily performed by the
quads (4 muscles)
Knee flexion performed by the hamstrings (3
muscles)
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Ligament sprains are the most common
injuries at the knee
Athletes should develop strength in the
muscles around the knee
If athlete has problems with knees, ATC
should examine leg structure to determine if
he/she has genu valgus (knock-knees) or
genu varus (bowlegs)
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Knee vulnerable to injuries due to exposure
to many forces
Ligaments extremely vulnerable but tendon
and bone injuries do occur
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ACL-athlete often disabled, complaining of knee
giving way, collapsing, and popping
Often the most serious and most frequently
surgically reconstructed
Often injured as athlete attempts to change
directions quickly and twists lower leg
May hear a popping sound
Immediate treatment includes PRICE, knee
immobilizer, and crutches
Rehab focuses on strengthening hamstrings to help
stabilize tibia
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Frequently injured when athlete falls and
bent knee bears full weight, when knee is
forcefully hyperflexed or blow is delivered
to the front of the tibia
Often little swelling
Treatment includes PRICE and referral to
physican
Rehab focuses on strengthening the quads
and regaining full function
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Injured when athlete receives a blow to the
outside of the knee
Treatment includes PRICE
Moderate to severe MCL needs an
immobilizer
Rehab focuses on strengthening the muscles
that cross the medial aspect of the knee
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Mild MCL sprain-medial joint line pain, little if
any swelling, no joint laxity, full flexion and
extension
Moderate MCL sprain-mild swelling,
discomfort, some joint laxity
Severe MCL sprain-moderate or severe
swelling, loss of function, great deal of joint
laxity
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Occur less frequently than MCL injuries
Symptoms are similar except discomfort is at
the lateral aspect
Treatment same as MCL
Rehab focuses on strengthening the lateral
thigh muscles and hamstrings
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Patellar tendinitis-overuse disorder
characterized by quad weakness and
tenderness over patellar tendon
Treatment will attempt to control
inflammation (apply ice, modify activity level)
Rehab will address flexibility problems or
weakness of the leg
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Set of symptoms that include pain and
discomfort around the patella
As the knee bends, instead of riding smoothly,
the patella is grated across the femur, causing
cartilage on the back of the patella to soften or
wear away
Athlete reports a grinding sensation with
flexion and extension
Grinding can be felt by placing hand over
patella
Treatment involves correcting patellar tracking
problems
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Patella forced to the lateral aspect of the knee
Occurs when knee is bent and forced to twist
inward
Athlete is often in distress
Only physician should reduce a dislocated
patella
Treatment involves immobilizing the knee