| About 10.8 million visits are made to physicians’
offices because of a knee problem. It is the most often treated anatomical
site by orthopaedic surgeons.
There are many components to the knee making it vulnerable for various
types of injuries. Many injuries are successfully treated conservatively,
while others require surgery to correct. Here are some facts about the knee
from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
How does the knee work?
The knee is the largest joint in the body, and one of the most easily
injured. It is made up of the lower end of the thighbone (femur) which
rotates on the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella)
which slides in a groove on the end of the femur. The knee also contains
large ligaments which help control motion by connecting bones and bracing
the joint against abnormal types of motion. Other parts of your knee, like
cartilage, serve to cushion your knee or help it absorb shock during motion.
What are the most prevalent knee injuries?
Many athletes experience injuries to their knee ligaments. Of the four
major ligaments found in the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and
the medial collateral ligament (MCL) often are injured in sports. The
posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) also is frequently injured.
Changing or twisting direction rapidly, slowing down when running, and
landing from a jump are often the causes of tears in the ACL. Athletes
participating in skiing and basketball and athletes wearing cleated shoes,
such as football players, are susceptible to ACL injuries.
Injuries to the MCL usually are caused by contact on the outside of the
knee. These types of blows to the knee often are encountered in contact
sports such as football.
The PCL can be injured during a sports activity when the athlete receives
a blow to the front of the knee or makes a simple misstep on the playing
field. Athletes engaging in contact sports such as football or soccer are
susceptible to a PCL injury.
Other than ligament injuries, are there any other types of injuries?
Torn knee cartilage is experienced by many people. When people talk about
torn knee cartilage, they usually are referring to a torn meniscus. The
mensicus is a tough, rubbery cartilage that is attached to the knee's
ligaments. It acts like a shock absorber.
In athletic activities, mensicus tears usually occur when twisting,
cutting, pivoting, decelerating, or being tackled. Direct contact is often
involved.
How are knee injuries treated?
There are a variety of methods used by orthopaedic surgeons to treat knee
injuries in athletes. The most important advice is to seek treatment as soon
as possible. A common method used by orthopaedic surgeons to treat mild knee
injuries is R.I.C.E.-rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest the knee by
staying off it or walking only with crutches. Apply ice to control swelling.
Use a compressive elastic bandage applied snugly but loosely enough so that
it does not cause pain. Finally, keep the knee elevated.
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