Anatomy clinical correlates Leg and ankle Flashcards
What are knee ligament injuries often the result of?
Rotational movement of the knee joint, such as cutting and pivoting movements in sports.
Why might the knee be difficult to examine immediately after an injury?
Pain and apprehension may limit examination findings.
When is it helpful to re-examine patients with knee injuries?
2-7 days after the initial examination.
In cases of suspected significant knee injuries, what can help delineate the extent of the injury?
Early MRI.
How is a Grade 1 knee ligament injury classified?
Some fibers torn but macroscopic structure intact (sprain).
What characterizes a Grade 2 knee ligament injury?
Some fasicles disrupted (partial tear).
How is a Grade 3 knee ligament injury defined?
Complete tear.
What instability may result from an MCL rupture?
Valgus instability.
What instability may result from an ACL rupture?
Rotatory instability.
What instability may result from a PCL rupture?
Recurrent hyperextension or instability descending stairs.
What instability may result from a posterolateral corner rupture?
Varus and rotatory instability.
What can multiligament injuries result in?
Gross instability.
What is the mechanism of injury for MCL injuries?
Valgus stress with possible external rotation (e.g., rugby tackling from the side).
What are the clinical features of an MCL injury?
Knee swelling, ecchymosis, pain, deformity, instability, medial joint line tenderness, and pain on valgus stress.
How is an isolated MCL tear diagnosed?
Clinical diagnosis, but x-rays and MRI can be used to rule out associated injuries.
How does a Grade 1 MCL injury usually heal?
Usually heals well, even if a complete tear.
What is the typical management for acute MCL tears?
Hinged knee brace.
How is chronic MCL instability treated?
MCL tightening (advancement) or reconstruction with a tendon graft (rare).
Which knee ligament is most commonly injured?
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament).
What is the mechanism of injury for ACL injuries?
Twisting sports injury, often involving higher rotational force and turning the upper body laterally on a planted foot (e.g., football, rugby, skiing).
What is the main stabilizer of the internal aspect of the tibia?
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament).
Who has a higher incidence of ACL injuries?
Females.
What are the clinical features of an ACL injury?
Audible pop, deep knee pain, swelling (haemarthrosis) within an hour of the injury, pain settles but leaves rotatory instability, and excessive anterior translation of the tibia on tests like the anterior drawer test and Lachman test.
How is an ACL injury diagnosed?
Joint aspiration to check for haemarthrosis and confirmation through MRI.
What is the management for ACL injuries that may stabilize with time and physiotherapy?
Time and physiotherapy.
In what cases is ACL reconstruction (tendon graft) mainly indicated?
Rotatory instability not responding to physiotherapy, part of multi-ligament reconstruction, or in professional athletes.
How long might it take for intensive rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction to return to high-impact sports?
Up to a year.
What is the mechanism of injury for LCL injuries?
Varus stress and hyperextension.