Knee

Question 1

What are the 3 joints of the knee?

Answer 1

Medial tibiofemoral
Lateral tibiofemoral
Patellofemoral

Question 2

What are the 4 ligaments?

Answer 2

Anterior cruciate ligament
Posterior cruciate ligament
Medial collateral ligament
Lateral collateral ligament

Question 3

What is the role of the ACL?

Answer 3

To prevent internal rotation of the tibia.

Question 4

What is the role of the PCL?

Answer 4

To prevent hyperextension and anterior translation of the femur.

Question 5

Which menisci is most commonly injured?

Answer 5

Medial meniscus

Question 6

What % of meniscal tears occur alongside an ACL tear?

Answer 6

Around 25%.

Question 7

Which test can be used to assess for a meniscal injury?

Answer 7

Steinmann’s test

Question 8

How does a meniscal injury present?

Answer 8

Will show effusion, joint line tenderness and pain upon tibial rotation.

An MRI can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Question 9

Why do meniscal repair procedures have a high rate of failure?

Answer 9

As area has a poor blood supply.

Question 10

What surgical procedure is recommended in meniscal injuries?

Answer 10

Arthroscopic partial menisectomy

Question 11

What type of injury is indicated by a positive anterior drawer test?

Answer 11

ACL rupture

Question 12

What is Lachmann’s test?

Answer 12

When the femur is stabilised, and the lower leg is drawn forwards.

If excessive anterior translation of the proximal tibia, it is suggestive of an ACL injury.

Question 13

What group are the only patients in which reconstruction of a ruptured ACL is considered?

Answer 13

Professional sportspersons

All others are recommended to await natural healing.

Question 13

Rupture of all 4 knee ligaments is referred to as what?

Answer 13

Complete knee dislocation

This is a medical emergency as there is usually an accompanying neurovascular injury.

Question 14

What complications are at-risk in a complete knee dislocation?

Answer 14

Thrombosis
Ischaemia (distally)
Compartment syndrome

Question 15

What is compartment syndrome?

Answer 15

When pressure within muscles builds to dangerous levels, following long periods of ischaemia to the distal muscles.

Question 16

What structures are referred to as the extensor mechanism of the knee?

Answer 16

Tibial tuberosity
Patellar tendon
Patella
Quadriceps tendon
Quadriceps muscles

Question 17

What injury type may be associated with patellar tendon/quadriceps tendon rupture?

Answer 17

Heavy weight-lifting

Question 18

What must not be given to treat extensor mechanism tendonitis?

Answer 18

Steroids - may cause rupture.

Question 19

Which antibiotic group is associated with the development of tendonitis as a side-effect?

Answer 19

Quinolones (e.g. ofloxacin)

Question 20

What test can be used to assess integrity of the extensor mechanism of the knee?

Answer 20

Straight leg test

Question 21

What are potential causes of patellofemoral dysfunction?

Answer 21

Chondromalacia patellae
Adolescent knee pain
Lateral patellar compression syndrome

Question 22

How may patellofemoral dysfunction present?

Answer 22

Anterior knee pain
Locking
Stiffness

Question 23

How is patellofemoral dysfunction treated?

Answer 23

Physiotherapy in 90% of cases.

Question 24

What injury may result from a leg forced into valgus?

Answer 24

MCL injury/tear