Orthopaedic knee problems Flashcards
What bones surround the knee joint?
Distal end of femur - epicondyles
Tibia
Patella
What are the extensor muscles of the knee?
Quadriceps
What are the flexor muscles of the knee?
Hamstrings
What are the ligaments supporting the knee joint?
Anterior cruciate ligamnet
Posterior cruciate ligament
Medial collateral ligament
Lateral collateral ligament
What are the meniscii?
C shaped cartilage within the knee joint, which helps to absorb force and increase stability
What are the 2 meniscii?
Medial meniscus
Lateral meniscus
What causes meniscal tear?
Twisting in deep flexion
Osteoarthritis
Is it more common for the medial or lateral meniscus to tear?
Medial
How does meniscal tear present?
Pain
Clicking
Locking
Intermittent swelling
What can be seen on examination of meniscal tear?
LOOK - effusion FEEL - tender joint line at point of tear MOVE - mechanical block to movement McMurrays test positive Fail deep squat Thassalys test positive
What investigations can be done for meniscal tear?
X-ray to detect arthritis or fracture
MRI - see soft tissue but high false positive rate
What is prognosis for meniscal tear?
Poor due to poor blood supply
What are non-operative treatment options for meniscal tear?
Rest
NSAIDs
Physio - hamstring and quadriceps strengthening
What are operative treatment options for meniscal tear?
Arthroscopy
What is the course of the anterior cruciate ligament?
From between the tibial eminences to the lateral wall of intercondylar notch of femur