Knee Injuries Flashcards
How do meniscal tears occur?
A twisting injury onto a loaded knee (turning at football/squating etc) or degenerate
How to meniscal tear present?
Effusion over the joint in 24 hours, catching/locking sensation, can’t fully straighten knee, pain over joint line (usually medial)
What test is used to diagnose a meniscal tear?
Steinmanns test (twist knee medial/laterally when at 90 degrees)
How are all ligament injuries confirmed ?
MRI
What ligaments are in the knee?
PCL, ACL, MCL, LCL
What is the mechanism of injury of an ACL tear?
High rotational force (football/rugby/skiing)
What is the presentation of an ACL tear?
Experience a pop, effusion within 1 hour, deep pain, rotary instability (gives way when turn on planted foot)
How is an ACL tear diagnosed?
Excessive anterior drawer
Positive Lachmans test
How is an ACL tear treated?
Physio to strengthen quads + hamstrings, relatively ineffective surgery (40% get reconstruction)
How does a PCL rupture occur?
Direct blow to the front of a bent knee (motorbike crash etc)
What is the normal treatment for a PCL rupture?
Unless part of multiple ligament injury or extremely unstable, isn’t usually repaired
How does an MCL tear occur?
Valgus stress injury (force from the side)
How is an MCL tear treated?
Majority are self-resolving
How does an LCL tear occur?
Varus stress injury (from the middle) - usually part of multiple ligament injuries
How does a patellar dislocation usually occur?
Direct blow or sudden twist to the knee
