Knee Ligament Damage

Question 1

What is the classification of knee sprains?

Answer 1

• Grade I (mild): Injury stretches ligament, which doesn’t significantly affect the overall ability of the knee joint to support weight.
• Grade II (moderate): Ligament partially torn and some mild to moderate instability whilst standing or walking.
• Grade III (severe): Ligament torn completely or separated at end of bone, knee more unstable.

Question 2

What are symptoms of ACL injury?

Answer 2

• Pop inside knee at moment of injury.
• Significant knee swelling within few hours after injury.
• Severe knee pain that prevents continued participation in activity.
• Black and blue discolouration around the knee.
• Knee instability; feeling that knee will give way or buckle when standing.

Question 3

What are symptoms of PCL injury?

Answer 3

• Mild knee swelling with or without knee instability.
• Mild difficulty in moving the knee.
• Mild pain at the back of the knee that worsens when you kneel.

Question 4

What are symptoms of MCL injury?

Answer 4

• Knee pain and swelling.
• Knee buckling toward the outside.
• Area of tenderness over the torn MCL at inner side of the knee.

Question 5

What are symptoms of LCL injury?

Answer 5

• Knee pain and swelling.
• Knee buckling toward the inside.
• An area of tenderness over the torn LCL at outer side of the knee.

Question 6

What is the impact of knee injuries on occupational performance?

Answer 6

• Patients experience progressive loss of joint function that makes it difficult to perform essential activities of daily living such as walking, squatting and going up and down stairs.
• Knee injuries impact ability to perform common leisure activities, impacted their ability to perform activities associated with self care and independent living, diminished overall work productivity.

Question 7

What is occupational therapy role and equipment?

Answer 7

• Specific knowledge and skills to create or modify environments that enable people to do things they want and need to do.
• OTs engage clients in programs that increase their knowledge about the condition, show them how to manage pain and related manifestations and promote their ability to participate in meaningful occupations.
• Techniques to manage or control oedema and inflammation (i.e. limb elevation, compression garments, exercise and splinting).
• Therapeutic activities and exercises to promote gross/fine motor control, ROM, endurance and strengths.
• Joint protection, energy conservation techniques, assistive devices, ergonomic assessment