Sport Injuries of Knee

Sport Injuries of the Knee

Objectives

• Revise anatomy
• Common injuries:
  • Ligaments:
    • Cruciate ligaments:
      • (ACL, PCL)
    • Collateral ligaments:
      • (MCL, LCL)
  • Menisci:
    • (medial, lateral)
• Basic management

Knee Anatomy

Specific Injuries

Cruciate Ligament Injuries

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

Collateral Ligament Injuries

• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)

Meniscal Injuries

• Medial meniscus
• Lateral meniscus

Initial management protocol:

• Rest: Avoid weight bearing
• Splint: Immobilization
• Ice Packs: Reduce swelling and pain
• Analgesia: Pain management
• Exercises:
  • Quadriceps strengthening
  • Range of motion (ROM) exercises

Diagnostic Investigations

X-ray Studies

Basic Views:

• AP (Anterior-Posterior)
• Lateral

Additional Views:

• AP standing
• Skyline (patellar view)
• Stress films (for ligament assessment)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is the best imaging modality to show:

• Ligament injuries / sprains
• Meniscal injuries
• Soft tissue pathology

Summary

General Management

Acute Injuries:

• Splint immobilization
• Ice packs for swelling control
• NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
• Physiotherapy for rehabilitation

Specific Management by Injury Type

ACL Tears: Depends upon the age and activity level

• Conservative for low-demand patients
• Surgical reconstruction for active individuals

PCL Tears: According to grades and functional demands

• Grade I-II: Conservative management
• Grade III: Consideration for reconstruction

MCL and LCL Tears: Depends upon isolated injuries or combination injuries

• Isolated: Conservative management with bracing
• Combined: Surgical reconstruction

Meniscal Tears: Decision between repair and meniscectomy

• Repair: Peripheral tears in red zone
• Partial Meniscectomy: Non-reparable tears in white zone