Soft Tissue Knee Injuries Flashcards
Why is the medial meniscus far more commonly injured than the lateral?
Fixed position
Under greater stress
What stress do the MCL and LCL resist?
MCL - valgus stress
LCL - varus stress
What does the ACL resist?
Anterior subluxation of the tibia
Internal rotation of the tibia
What does the PCL resist?
Anterior subluxation of the femur
Hyperextension of the knee
The MCL heals poorly while the LCL heals easily. True/false?
False - MCL heals easily, LCL rupture requires surgery
Rupture of the MCL, ACL and PCL may lead to what?
MCL rupture - valgus instability
ACL rupture - rotatory instability
PCL rupture - recurrent hyperextension
Name some patterns of meniscal tears
Longitudinal
Bucket handle
Radial
Parrot beak
What kinds of patients commonly get meniscal tears?
Sporty patients
Those who squat regularly
Older patient
How is a suspected meniscal tear investigated?
MRI
An acute locked knee suggests what kind of tear?
Bucket handle
Describe the grading of knee ligament injuries
Grade 1 - sprain - some fibres torn
Grade 2 - partial tear
Grade 3 - complete tear
It is rare to operate on an MCL as it usually heals on its own. True/false?
True
How is the ACL reconstructed?
Taking a tendon from elsewhere and using it to replace the ACL
An ACL surgery treats pain and instability. True/false?
False - instability only
What causes a PCL rupture?
Direct blow to anterior tibia or hyperextension
A knee dislocation is a surgical emergency. Why?
Can lead to compartment syndrome and seconday ischaemia
How many ligaments have ruptured in knee dislocation?
At least 3 of 4
Who have a higher incidence of patellar dislocation?
Females and adolescents
What is the mechanism of injury for rupture of the MCL, PCL, ACL and LCL?
MCL - valgus
ACL - twisting
LCL - varus
PCL - hyperextension
