Knee Injuries

Contusions

Injuries to the infrapatellar fat pad caused by hyperextension, leading to pain, swelling, and tenderness around the patellar tendon.

Traumatic Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa due to direct contact, characterized by warmth and a soft, fluid-filled pouch.

Quadriceps Strain

Injury resulting in pain, spasm, and loss of function, often accompanied by swelling and ecchymosis.

Myositis Ossificans

A complication of quadriceps contusion where a hematoma leads to bony deposits in the muscle, creating a palpable mass.

ACL Injury

Anterior cruciate ligament injury often caused by a planted foot with a valgus load, resulting in a large effusion and a popping sound.

PCL Injury

Posterior cruciate ligament injury typically occurring in hyperflexion, leading to pain and decreased range of motion.

MCL Injury

Medial collateral ligament injury caused by valgus stress, often associated with ACL and medial meniscus injuries.

LCL Injury

Lateral collateral ligament injury less frequently seen, typically resulting from a varus force.

Meniscal Injury

Damage resulting from compression or rotation of the femur on a fixed tibia, often causing pain, swelling, and joint line tenderness.

Patellar Tendon Rupture

Severe injury resulting from violent quadriceps contraction, leading to loss of active knee extension.

Hamstring Strain

The most common muscle strain of the knee, characterized by sharp pain, tenderness, and ecchymosis during deceleration.

ACL Injury Epidemic

Refers to the 38,000 ACL injuries occurring annually in young female athletes, with significant costs for surgery and rehabilitation.

Neuromuscular Imbalance

A condition where there is a lack of coordination and control in muscle use, leading to increased joint load and instability.

Ligament Dominance

A neuromuscular imbalance assessed through a drop vertical jump test, indicating increased valgus angles in females.

Quadriceps Dominance

A neuromuscular imbalance where athletes exhibit low hamstring strength relative to high quadriceps strength.

Patellar Subluxation

A partial dislocation of the patella, often occurring laterally, characterized by sharp pain and a sensation of "giving way."

Dynamic Malalignment

A term encompassing various overuse knee injuries, including patellofemoral pain, often related to muscle imbalances and control issues.

Patellofemoral Pain (PFP)

A common knee pain condition without a specified injury, often exacerbated by activities like stair climbing and squatting.

IT-Band Syndrome

An overuse injury thought to be related to friction during knee flexion and extension, affecting lateral stability.