Knee Flashcards
What happens in the Screw Home Mechanism
This is the rotation that occurs beween the femoral condyles and the tibia during the FINAL degrees of extension.
When tibia is fixed, terminal extension results in the femur rotating INTERNALLY
When the knee is unlocked, the femur rotates internally
What are the 2 functions of the knee?
Mobility and Stability
If a patient lacks full hip extension, how is knee function affected?
The patient will not be able to stand upright and lock the knee
If a patient lacks full hip extension, what muscles should be addressed and how?
Stretch the quads
What influences alignment of the patella in the frontal plane?
The Q Angle
What is the Q Angle?
The line of pull of the quads and by its attachment to the tibial tubercle via the patella tendon.
What is te effect of the forces created by the Q Angle?
It causes a bowstring effect of the patella, causing it to track laterally.
What is the normal range for the Q Angle?
10-15 degrees
It is typically greater in women due to their wider hips.
What are the landmarks for measuring the Q Angle?
The ASIS to mid-patella and the tibial tubercle to the mid-patella.
What things can cause an increased Q Angle?
A Wide pelvis Femoral Anteversion Coxa Vara GenuValgum Laterally displaced tibial tuberosity
What motions occur in the transverse plane which could cause an increased Q Angle?
External tibial rotation
Internal femoral rotation
Pronated Subtalar Joint
Functional Knee Valgus that occurs during dynamic activities
How might a tight IT Band and lateral retinaculum affect patellar alignment and tracking?
This could prevent medial gliding of the patella
How might tight ankle PF affect patellar alignment and tracking?
It may cause lateral displacement of the tibial tuberosity in relation to the patella.
How might an insufficient vastus medialis oblique affect patellar alignment?
Weakness or poor timing of the VMO contractions will increase the lateral drifting of the patella.
How do weak hip abductors and external rotators affect patellar alignment?
This can cause adduction of the femur and valgus at the knee under loaded weight bearing.
How many degrees of motion does the knee go through during a normal gait cycle?
60 Degrees
From 0 at full extension to 60 at the end of the initial swing.
What muscles affect knee control during gait?
Quads
Hamstrings
Soleus
Gastrocnemius
Is the ACL an intracapsular or extracapsular ligament?
Intracapsular
What are the mechanisms of injury for an ACL tear?
Can be contact or non-contact
Rotation of the tibia on a planted foot
Forceful hyperextension
A lateral blow to the knee (valgus force)
What is the “Terrible Triad?”
A knee injury that involves damage to the
ACL, MCL and medial meniscus
CLINICALLY, what is the most common combination of knee ligament injuries?
ACL, MCL & LATERAL meniscus
What are the signs and symptoms of an ACL tear?
Swelling
Pain
Instability
What tests are commonly performed to test the instability of the ACL?
Lachman
Anterior Drawer Test
What are the 4 elements of conservative treatment of an ACL tear?
- Joint protection
- Activity modification
- Treat inflammation
- Exercise
What tendons are typically used in an Autograft repair of a torn ACL?
Gracilis Tendon
Fascia Lata
Semitendinosus Tendon
Quadriceps muscle tendon
What is the strongest Autograft repair for ACL reconstruction?
The bone-patellar tendon-bone
What are the risks associated with an Allograft repair?
Disease transmission
Problems with effective sterilization techniques
What type of healing occurs in the firs 6-8 weeks following a tendon graft?
Avascular necrosis occurs gradually
Graft is quite fragile during this time
What is the typical strength of a tendon graft after 12 weeks (3 months)?
50% of its original strength
What exercise precautions should be taken following an ACL repair?
No open chai extension from 40 degrees of knee flexion to 0 degrees
Recognize that the greatest amount of stress on the graft occurs between 20 degrees of knee flexion and full extension
What kind of transfers should be avoided following an ACL repair?
Pivot Transfers
What is the time frame for the Maximum Protection Phase following an ACL repair?
The first 6 weeks
What restrictions are there during the Maximum Protection Phase of ACL recovery?
The knee is generally locked in extension or 10 degrees of flexion for the first 2 weeks
WB at 25-50%
0-90 degrees fter 2 weeks
FWB after 3-4 weeks
What are the goals of the Maximum Protection Phase of ACL recovery?
Control swelling
Encourage quad control / HS Strength
Begin strengthening & ROM w/in precautions
Work on extension ROM
Is patellar mobilization appropriate during the Maximum Protection Phase of ACL recovery?
Yes