Few parts of the human body are more synonymous with sports injuries than the knee. Namely because the knee joint is instrumental in helping us perform almost every athletic task. Here we will look at some of the most common sports-related injuries to the knee. How they happen. What can be done to prevent them and how to treat them when they do occur.

Meniscal tear

One of the most common types of knee injuries is what is called a meniscal tear. The menisci are two horseshoe-shaped pieces of cartilage found between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia.) They act as a rubbery cushion that provides the knee with stability and behave as a shock-absorbing system. Meniscal injuries can happen in a variety of ways and are usually referred to as tears. Those playing sports can tear a meniscus by twisting a knee too hard. Tears can even occur from everyday life movements like stepping off a curb.

Meniscal tears cause severe pain at the joint line; swelling occurs, and there may also be a popping noise when the knee is moved. Most people can walk on the injured knee but it will be painful and tight. If you believe you have a meniscal tear, see your physician immediately for individualized treatment.

Treatment of meniscal tears

Initial treatment of meniscal tears is RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Your physician may take X-rays or use a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to further review your soft tissues. If your meniscal tear does not heal on its own, your physician may opt to perform arthroscopic surgery on an outpatient basis to remove the damaged cartilage.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) stabilizes your knee and connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia.) The ACL is often torn by changing direction too quickly or landing from a jump.

Treatment for a torn ACL

Initial treatment of an ACL tear follows the RICE formula of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Your physician may also utilize a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or X-rays to further evaluate your condition. When surgery is needed, it is normally performed arthroscopically on an outpatient basis. Your orthopaedic surgeon replaces the torn ACL with healthy tendons from under your kneecap or hamstring area. Surgery is followed by use of a brace and an exercise or rehabilitation program to strengthen the knee and restore full range of motion.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears

Located in the back of the knee, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). The PCL can tear when you take a bad fall on a bent knee. The PCL can also tear when a driver or passenger in a car accident hits their bent knee against the dashboard.

PCL tears are marked by immediate swelling and difficulty walking. If you believe you have a PCL tear, contact your physician immediately for treatment.

Initial treatment for a torn PCL is the familiar formula of RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Your physician may have you use crutches until the swelling has subsided and most likely will use a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to further assess your condition. If you are diagnosed with a major PCL tear, you will undergo arthroscopic surgery to stabilize the knee. This is done on an outpatient basis. Surgery is followed by crutches and a brace, and you will begin an exercise and rehabilitation program designed to strengthen the lower extremity muscles and restore full range of motion.

Removing inflamed synovium (lining), loose bone or cartilage in the knee joint

Arthroscopy of the knee may also be used to remove inflamed lining, loose bone or cartilage. The orthopaedic surgeon uses the arthroscope to locate the damaged lining, loose bone or cartilage. The surgeon will stabilize the area by trimming away the damaged tissue and removing any bone fragments that could further irritate the knee. This is done on an outpatient basis and is performed as an attempt to further stabilize your remaining cartilage and lengthen the life of your natural knee joint. Surgery is followed by use of crutches and an exercise and rehabilitation program to protect your future knee joint functions.

Articular cartilage injuries

Healthy articular cartilage

Arthritis is one of the purest forms of inflammation within the knee joint and is often used to describe wear and tear and loss of the articular cartilage along the gliding surfaces on the knee joint. Injuries to the articular cartilage can occur from rapid deceleration or quick changes in direction during athletic activity.

These injuries cause aching pain and minimal swelling of the knee and the pain tends to worsen with activity. Treatment for this injury follows the RICE formula of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Your physician may use X-rays or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to further assess your condition. Alternative treatment options include glucosamine nutritional supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or joint fluid therapy treatments, such as SUPARTZ^® Joint Fluid Therapy. If these treatments are not effective in healing your injury, your orthopaedic surgeon may perform arthroscopic surgery on an outpatient basis to repair the knee.

Patellofemoral pain

This type of pain occurs around the front of the knee and is commonly found in athletes who put heavy stress on their knees. Runners, cyclists, soccer players and downhill skiers just to name a few. The main symptom includes dull, aching pain under or around the kneecap (patella). The pain may be intense when trying to climb stairs, kneel or squat. Patellofemoral pain can be caused by malalignment of the kneecap, excessive overuse or weakness in the thigh muscles.

Initial treatment follows the RICE formula of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Other alternative conservative treatments may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Your physician may take X-rays to further evaluate your condition and prescribe other non-surgical options to help you regain full motion of the knee. Some of these options may include an exercise program to increase flexibility and strength in your thigh muscles or use of a knee brace. When surgery is needed it is usually performed arthroscopically on an outpatient basis. Surgery is followed by the use of crutches and an exercise and rehabilitation program to further protect your future knee joint functions.

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