Orthopaedic Knee Conditions Flashcards
What are the main ligaments of the knee?
Cruciate ligaments - Anterior and posterior
Collateral ligaments - medial and lateral
Transverse and ligament of Wristberg
Describe the meniscii
Specialised C-shaped cartilages - triangular in cross section
Medial is attached to deep MCL
Function is aid force transmission and increase stability
How can meniscal tear occur?
Acute - twisting esp. in deep flexion
Degenerative - OA
Medial meniscal tears are most common
What are some types of meniscal tear?
Flap (horizontal cleavage), radial, degenerative, Parrot’s beak and bucket handle
What is the presentation of acute meniscal tear?
Pain, clicking, locking and intermittent swelling
Mainly in people under 40
What is done in examination of meniscal tear?
Look for effusion of knee
Feel tender joint line at point at tear
Move - mechanical block to movement, McMurray’s test positive, fail deep squat and Thassaly’s test positive
What is the McMurray’s test?
Examiner places middle finer over lateral joint line and thumb over medial joint line
Patient knee is flexed and load is applied then rotate tibia on knee and under fingers there is clicking
What is the Thassaly’s test?
Patient stands and knees slightly flexed
Patient rotated and if lateral aspect of knee then lateral meniscal tear on external rotation
What investigations are done for meniscal tear?
X-ray - excludes arthritis and fractures
MRI - most sensitive test. Used for more unsure cases
What are the zones of the meniscus?
White zone - gain from synovial fluid so if tear then won’t heal
Red zone - if tears peripherally then can be repaired
What is the non-operative management for meniscal tears?
Rest
NSAIDs
Physio - hamstring and quadriceps strengthening
What is the operative treatment of meniscal tear?
Arthroscopy - repair and resection
Describe osteoarthritis
Degenerative change of synovial joints - progressive loss of articular cartilage and secondary body changes
Worsening pain and stiffness
What is the conservative management for OA?
Weight loss, analgesia, activity modification, braces, walking aids, visco-supplementation, and steroid injections
What is the operative management for OA?
Total knee replacement (most common) - cruciate retaining (keep PCL)and sacrificing
Uni-compartmental - medial (more common) and lateral
Medial can be mobile or fixed bearing