The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body, in addition to being used for most everyday activities, making it very susceptible to injuries. With the femur above the patella and the tibia below, the bones are connected to the leg muscles by tendons and ligaments allowing for movement and stability. Treatment for knee injuries range depending on severity of the injury from non-surgical methods such as injections or physical therapy, to surgical procedures such as knee replacement and reconstruction.
ACL Injuries
One of the most common injuries of the knee is an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear or sprain, with approximately 200,000 ACL injuries a year in the United States. These injuries typically occur when the individual is participating in sports such as skiing, football, basketball and soccer, specifically when changing directions or abrupt stopping or jumping. The ACL acts as a stabilizer in the knee and connects the femur to the tibia. The function of the ligament is to keep the knee from over rotation and extending beyond the normal range of motion.
An immediate, and most common indication of an ACL injury is a popping sound and feeling within the knee cap, with swelling occurring quickly after. To definitively diagnose an ACL injury, you will need to receive an x-ray of the knee. Not all ACL injuries require surgery, some patients are able to recover with rehabilitation and modification of activities, although surgery is often recommended for patients that live an active lifestyle. Injuries are classified in three categories:
