Knee problems Flashcards
What are the common injuries that occur to the knee?
Fracture Acute on chronic degenerative joint disease Meniscal injury Ligament injury Tendon injury
What are the clinical signs and symptoms of a meniscal injury?
Twisting moment on a loaded fixed knee Painful "squelch" Slow swelling Painful to bear weight "Locked" knee
How do ACL tears normally occur?
Forward momentum +/- rotation
What are the clinical signs and symptoms of ACL tears?
“Pop”
Quick swelling
Often able to weight bear
What are the clinical signs and symptoms of collateral tears?
Lateralised pain
Feel of “crack” sharp pain
No or minimal effusion
Bruising to one side
What should you look for when examining an injured knee?
Scars
Bruising
Swelling
Joint line irregularity
What should you feel for when examining an injured knee?
Effusion Crepitus Heat Tenderness Tissue lumps or defects
What should you move when examining an injured knee?
Passive and active movement Straight leg raise Range of movement Ligament testing Dynamic testing
For what injuries should X-rays be used?
Fracture Loose bodies Ligament avulsion Osteochondral defect Degenerative joint disease Lipohaemarthrosis
For what injuries should ultrasound be used?
Tendon rupture
Some meniscal tears
Swelling
Cysts
What are the indications for knee surgery?
Failure of conservative treatment Demands of work Demands of sport Problems with daily activities Prevention of further joint injury Prevention of falls
What are the non surgical management options for knee injuries?
Restoration of function Physiotherapy Analgesia Swelling reduction Range of motion Normal movement
What are the surgical options for meniscal injuries?
Meniscal repair
Partial meniscectomy
Meniscal transplantation
What is the origin of the perimeniscal capillary plexus?
Branches of the inferior medial and lateral geniculate arteries
Who gets surgical repair of meniscal injuries?
Young
Sporty
Fresh tears - up to 3 months
Healthy meniscus
