The Knee

Question 1

Knee deformities (genu varum)

Answer 1

=head of tibia/ fibula is inclined away from midline of body. Caused by blount’s disease, ricket’s, trauma, infection and tumour
Common in children
Risks- rickets, any condition preventing bone forming correctly, skeletal problems, infection, tumours
Symptoms- seen when child stands/ walks, awkward walking patterns and turning in of feet, no pain but discomfort
Prognosis- will usually get better on its own but physical therapy and exercise can help realign

Question 2

Knee deformities (genu Valgum)

Answer 2

=head of tibia/ fibula is inclined towards midline of the body
Often caused by rickets, excessive pressure on knees, injury/ infection or genetics
Common in children
Risks- injury/ illness affecting leg/ knee, skeletal dysplasia, lysomal storage diseases, obesity, arthritis, calcium deficiency
Symptoms- clear separation of ankles when knees are together
Prognosis- will usually get better on own but physical therapy and exercise can help realign

Question 3

Swelling around the knee

Answer 3

=excess fluid around knee joint due to injuries (E.g. torn ligament) or diseases (E.g. RA)
Around 30YOA
Risks- age, athletes, obesity
Symptoms- swelling, stiffness and pain
Prognosis- treated with painkillers, elevating leg and lymphatic techniques

Question 4

Lesions of menisci

Answer 4

=rupture of medial/ lateral menisci (medial more common)
Caused by degenerative tear
Develops around 35
Risks- athletes, males, older age, pre existing pathologies, overweight, reduced muscle strength
Symptoms- locking/ popping of knee, medial/ lateral knee pain
Prognosis- if untreated then normal life will be affected. Can develop long term knee problems. Osteo can strengthen muscles around knee and legs

Question 5

Osteochondritis dissecans

Answer 5

=bone under cartilage of a joint died due to lack of blood flow
Due to repetitive minor trauma
Common in 10-20 YOA
Risks- repetitive trauma, age, athletes, may be genetic
Symptoms- pain, swelling/ tenderness, joint popping/ locking, joint weakness, decreased range of motion
Prognosis- may need surgery, physical therapy to reduce pain, promote repair of cartilage and prevent degeneration of knee joint surface

Question 6

Loose bodies

Answer 6

=small fragments of articular cartilage break of in knee joint
Caused by knee injury and degeneration
Can occur at any age
Risks- women, TB, OA, RA
Symptoms- pain, catching, locking, swelling
Prognosis- surgery will improve pain and mobility

Question 7

Tuberculosis rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 7

=autoimmune disease characterised by synovial joint inflammation
Caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis
Common in 30-50 YOA
Risks- people in high tb countries, weak immune system (conditions and treatments), poor health/ diet due to lifestyle, prolonged contact with a tb person
Symptoms- lack of appetite, weight loss, high temp, extreme fatigue, pulmonary tb
Prognosis- effective with treatment (drugs to treat tb then physical therapy to treat arthritis)

Question 8

Osteoarthritis

Answer 8

=protective cartilage wearing down due to wear and tear
Common above 45 YOA
Risks- old age, women, obesity, joint injuries, repeated stress on joint, genetics, bone deformities, metabolic diseases
Symptoms- common in hands, knees, hips and spine, pain and stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, crepitus, bony spurs, swelling
Prognosis- can be managed with physical therapy but can’t be reversed