The human knee consists of many vital parts, all of which are vulnerable to injury. Sprains, tearing of ligaments, dislocations and fractures top the knee injury list. The most common indications of knee injury include swelling and pain around the region. Here is a list of common knee injuries as well as their remedies.
Dislocation Possibly one of the most common knee injury, dislocation happens at the point when the bones of the knee move out of place. This displacement of the bones of the knee could be either partial or complete. Falls, car crashes, high impact trauma and sport related clashes are the main causes of knee dislocations.
Fractures A fracture occurs when the bone in the knee is broken. The patella is the most common bone that usually gets broken around the knee. Another common fracture spot is at the ends of the femur and tibia, just where they connect. Like in the case of dislocations, falls, car crashes, high impact trauma and sport related clashes are the main causes of knee fractures.
Tendon Tears The knee contains the patellar and quadriceps tendons which can be torn when overstretched. Everyone is prone to tendon tears, but it is more prevalent among athletes and middle aged people. Common causes of knee tendon injuries arise from awkward landings during high jumps, falls and direct impact to the knee.
Meniscal Tears This injury is mostly common with athletes who strain during physical activities. When the athlete is tackled, the knee twists or pivots badly which results to sudden meniscal tears. Aging and arthritis are also contributing factors of meniscal tears. Old people may twist their feet while doing simple tasks and may result in knee injury.
Ligament injuries Ligament injuries are different and affect different knee ligaments. They are mostly affected by high impact during sports activities. The various knee ligaments that are commonly injured are the posterior cruciate, collateral and the anterior cruciate ligaments
Knee Injury Treatments Professional medical help should be sought if the knee injury cannot be managed with home remedies. This is referred to a doctor know as a orthopaedic surgeon. When referred to a Chatswood knee specialist you could undergo an MRI or CAT scan to determine if knee surgery is required.
Below is a list of different knee treatments.
1. Meniscectomy When a part of the knee cartilage referred to as meniscus is torn, meniscectomy knee surgery is a possible solution. Arthroscopy is the most common form of meniscectomy in which small incisions are induced around the knee area. Various instruments including a small camera are inserted to help alleviate the damaged meniscus. In certain cases, there is the possibility of repairing the cartilage rather than opting for complete removal. In other cases, the meniscus is transplanted, replaced by a donorâs cartilage. Arthritis and further knee injury are lessened with the cartilage replacement procedure.
2. Tendon Repair Rupture to the quadriceps and patellar tendons can happen which affects the movement and flexibility of the leg. Located at the front of the knee, these two tendons are prome to injury after high impact. In severe cases, surgical repair is prompted for cases where these two tendons are affected.
3. Partial Knee Replacement: A small number of patients may succumb to partial or unicompartmental knee replacement. This occurs when injury is limited to just one section of the knee. Metal and plastic components are used to replace damaged portions of the knee. Faster recovery, smaller incision and lesser loss of blood are some of the advantages of such a procedure.
4. Full Knee Replacement Some patients who suffer serious damage to the knee might have to get full knee replacement. This is especially common with people suffering from severe arthritis in the knees. Depending on the severity of the injury, the doctor might decline partial knee replacement in favour of full knee replacement.
