Knee Injuries
Ligament (Most Common)
- ACL - Anterior Cruciate Ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament provides rotational stability and anterior movement of the tibia from the femur. Up to 10% of the population can function athletically without an ACL. People with ACL deficiencies tend to have feelings of instability, giving away and shifting. ACL injuries frequently occur without physical contact.
Common Overuse Injuries
- Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis is an overuse condition that occurs in many athletes who are involved in repetitive jumping activities such as basketball or high jumping. The athlete may experience pain localized below the kneecap. - Chondromalacia Patellae
The symptoms of chondromalacia usually have a gradual onset and progress slowly. Athletes may experience pain beneath the kneecap which may increase with activities that require bending (flexion) of the knee. Other complaints are grating or grinding, knee buckling, aching pain after vigorous activity or pain after prolonged sitting.
Other Common Knee Injuries
- Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome
This condition involves the bump below the kneecap (tibial tuberosity). It occurs in young athletes. Pain occurs with active use of the quadriceps, such as jumping and running. - Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
ITB Syndrome is often seen in runners. It involves an inflammatory process. Pain occurs along the outside (lateral) part of the knee. - Patellar Subluxation
Subluxation (dislocation) may be full or partial. Patellar subluxations usually move to the outside (lateral). Due to their wider pelvis and angulated femurs, female athletes are more prone to patellar subluxation than males. The athlete may complain of giving away, popping or catching in the knee. - Patellar Bursitis
Athletes who sustain repeated trauma to the front of the knee such as falling on the knee or getting hit on the kneecap are prone to bursitis. The condition may be referred to as "water on the knee". - Meniscal Injuries (cartilage)
Meniscal injuries tend to produce swelling. Both pain and associated swelling increase with activity.
Surgical Options - Our surgeons are specifically trained in the treatment and surgical repair of the knee. Most knee injuries do not require surgery; however a thorough evaluation and proper instruction in the rehabilitation of the injured area and surrounding structures is highly recommended. When surgery is necessary our surgeons provide a variety of surgical treatment options to best care for the injured athlete. The physicians at the Sports Medicine Center specialize in arthroscopic procedures of all synovial joints, as well as reconstruction options for ligamentous repair.
This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem.