Knee Injuries

Crepitus

A grinding noise or sensation within a joint

Patellofemoral problems

aching pain in the front or behind the knee; knee is giving way; crepitus; patellofemoral joint pain; mild swelling; treated by correct cause, shoe inserts, taping and bracing, and stretching; caused by extended time in flexion, long car rides, sitting all day

Patellar tendonitis 

Inflammation of the patellar tendon caused by high-force, repetitive strain; symptoms include anterior knee pain and local tenderness just below patella; treated by activity modification, stretching, ice, bracing/orthotics, and taping

Valgus

Outward bending or twisting force

Varus

inward bending or twisting force

Fat Pad Syndrome

Infrapatellar fat pad is inflammed; symptoms include pain just below the patella, tenderness, and swelling; treatment includes special strengthening exercises, taping, icing, and anti-inflammatory medications

Hoffa’s test

Test for Fat Pad Syndrome; pressure is applied to the proximal patellar tendon with quadriceps contracted, stressing only the tendon and not the fat pad; pressure is applied over the proximal patellar tendon with a relaxed tendon, allowing compression of the fat pad

Medical collateral ligament sprain

Caused by a blow to the outside of the knee or a high-energy twisting in the valgus (outward) motion; symptoms include limited motion, swelling of the medial knee, tenderness, and pain; treatment includes PRICE, protective wrap, a brace or crutches, rehabilitation

Valgus stress test

Tests for a medical collateral ligament sprain; positive test is indicated with increased inward movement (in comparison to the other knee)

Lateral collateral ligament sprain

Not frequently involved in sport injuries; can be caused by direct blow to the medial side of knee, resulting in a varus (inward bending) stress to the knee joint; treatment is the same as MCL sprains

Varus Stress Test

Tests for a lateral collateral ligament sprain; positive test is indicated with increased outward movement (in comparison to the other knee)

Anterior cruciate ligament sprain

symptoms include hearing a pop followed by effusion, knee buckling, nausea; treatment includes splinting, icing, and compressive wrapping, crutches, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation 

Lackman Test

tests for an anterior cruciate ligament sprain; involves grasping the upper calf and pulls the tibia anterirorly in a sudden firm forward motion; compares laxity with the opposite knee

Anterior Drawer Test

tests for anterior cruciate ligament sprain; examiner grasps upper calf with both hands and pulls the tibia anteriroly in a sudden firm forward motion; compares laxity with the opposite knee

Posterior Cruciate ligament tear

most occur during a fall on the flexed (bent) knee with the foot plantar flexed or hyperflexion (bending too far) of the knee; symptoms include positive “sag test”; treatment includes PRICE, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, surgery avoided in most cases

Posterior sag test

tests for PCL tear

Meniscus tear

occurs when the knee is twisted suddenly and one or both menisci become trapped between the femur and tibia or ligaments in and around the knee are torn; symptoms include slow and mild knee swelling, pain, popping, locking, or giving way of the knee; treatment includes compressive wrap, crutches, knee supports, activity modification, medications, and physical therapy

McMurray Test

tests for meniscus tear

epiphyseal injuries

growth-plate injuries; knee is subject to sports-induced trauma at the centers of bone growth in skeletally immature athletes; epiphyseal plate —> growth plate on the end of a bone; may alter the length of the affected bone

osgood-schlatter condition

group of symptoms involving the tibial tubercle epiphysis; most common in males ages 12-16 and females 10-14; happens when femur grows faster than quadriceps muscles; symptoms include pain, swelling, weakness, and a visible lump; treatment includes preventing progression, protective gear, ice, improving flexibility, and stretching (specifically the hamstrings because when they are tight, they pull on the quads)

Iliotibial band syndrome

Occurs when there is inflammation of the iliotibial band; irritation usually occurs over the outside knee joint, at the lateral epicondyle; treatment includes rule out mechanical problems or training errors, proper footwear, ice, and stretching; very common in people who suddenly increase their level of activity; also prevalent in people with biomechanical problems

Ober’s test

tests for iliotibial band syndrome

fractures

result of high-energy trauma; vary in location and severity

Patellar tap test

used to examine the knee swelling or knee effusion