Due to the nature of a hinge joint structure & weight-bearing requirements the knees are easily subject to injury. This is especially true when it comes to playing sports and athletics that can inflict trauma on the knee.
Managing Acute Knee Injuries
The supporting structures of the knees(medial and lateral collateral ligaments), the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, hamstrings, surrounding quadriceps, pes anserine tendons and iliotibial band. The medial and lateral menisci protect the articular cartilage surfaces. Given the complexity of the knee, taking a thorough history of the patient’s injury and symptoms is perhaps the most important part of making the diagnosis
Knee Injury types and testing
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) originates from the medial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle, twists degrees (adding tensile strength), and inserts onto a tubercle along the anterior tibial plateau. MRI scans for a possible torn ACL is done with the knee in 30 degrees flexion with the thigh stabilized, exerting a forward motion on the tibia. Any more than a few mm of motion would be abnormal. The pivot shift test is performed by lifting the distal leg, allowing the tibia to fall posteriorly, and adding mild internal rotation and valgus stress. If abnormal, the tibia will sublux further. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is tested in a posterior direction and feeling for a firm or soft endpoint feel, which might indicate a partial or complete tear
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