Knee problems Flashcards
Osteochondritis Dissecans, osgood-schlatter disease, Patellar tendonitis, Chondromalacia patellae (18 cards)
What is Osteochondritis Dissecans?
It is a condition where an area of the surface of the knee loses its blood supply, causing cartilage and sometimes bone to fragment off
In which age group is Osteochondritis Dissecans most common?
adolescence
“The necrosis and displacement of a fragment of bone and cartilage in the joint due to overuse and repetitive micro trauma of the joint. It commonly affects young adults and is worsened by physical activity. Patients may experience joint locking and stiffness”
This describes what?
Osteochondritis dissecans
What are the common clinical features of Osteochondritis Dissecans?
- Knee pain
- Recurrent knee effusions
- Knee swelling after exercise
- Asymptomatic
- Pain after exercise
- Intermittent swelling and locking
A 17-year-old boy comes into the clinic complaining of ongoing left knee pain. He had no preceding trauma to the area, but describes it as swelling up after he plays football, with accompanying pain
On examination, the knee locks when passively extended, but after re-flexing and extending again, it can give a full range of movement with crepitus felt.
What is the likely diagnosis?
Osteochondritis dissecans
A 14-year-old gymnast presents to the clinic with recurrent knee pain and swelling for the past six months. She reports episodes of the knee “locking up.” An X-ray reveals a small fragment of bone and cartilage partially detached from the femoral condyle.
What is the most likely cause of her symptoms?
Osteochondritis dissecans
Describe osgood-schlatter disease
- Anterior knee pain
- Seen in sporty teenagers - mainly boys
- Tenderness and swelling over the tibial tubercle
A 14-year-old boy who plays basketball begins to experience pain while playing. He attends his GP and is diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease.
This condition occurs as a result of inflammation at which bony prominence?
Tibial tuberosity
A 13-year-old boy who is a keen football player presents with several months of unilateral anterior knee pain. The knee pain came on 2 months ago and has been getting progressively worse. The pain is in his right knee and is worse when he is playing football. He finds himself having to occasionally stop and rest. He is otherwise fit and well with no medical history
On examination, there is some prominence of the right tibial tubercle, some mild swelling and tenderness to palpation over the tubercle. The range of movement of the knee is normal.
A diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter’s disease is suspected. How is this condition diagnosed?
Clinically
Osgood-Schlatter’s disease is a common cause of knee pain in adolescents, characterised by inflammation and microfractures in the patellar tendon at its attachment to the tibial tubercle.
Therefore, where would the pain and swelling be located?
below the knee cap
Describe patellar tendonitis
- More common in athletic teenage boys
- Chronic anterior knee pain that worsens after running, kneeling etc
- Tenderness below the patella on examination
- A sensation of warmth or burning in the affected knee
What is the main treatment for patellar tendinitis?
Rest, ice, physiotherapy
What sign is seen in patellar tendinitis?
Basset’s sign
What is the most appropriate imaging method for patellar tendinitis?
Ultrasound
What is Chondromalacia patellae?
softening of the cartilage of the patella
Which group is most commonly affected by Chondromalacia patellae?
Teenage girls
What symptom is characteristic of Chondromalacia patellae?
Anterior knee pain, especially when walking up and down stairs or rising from prolonged sitting
What is the usual treatment for Chondromalacia patellae?
usually responds well to physiotherapy
