
Knee fractures can involve several key structures in the joint:
- Patellar fractures account for approximately 1% of all fractures, most commonly affecting individuals between the ages of 20 and 50.
- Femoral condyle fractures typically occur when the knee is subjected to excessive stress, often from direct trauma or forceful impact.
- Tibial eminence fractures are often caused by trauma, such as a blow to the proximal tibia when the knee is flexed, or by hyperextension injuries during accidents.
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat knee joint conditions. Through a small incision, a tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the knee on a monitor and perform necessary repairs using specialized instruments.
A meniscal tear is one of the most common cartilage injuries of the knee. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint, protecting the bones from wear and tear. A tear can result from a sudden twist or pivot, and is a frequent injury in both athletic and non-athletic populations.
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury occurs when the ACL is stretched, partially torn, or completely ruptured, with a complete tear being the most common. Typical symptoms include sudden pain, a popping sensation at the time of injury, knee instability, and swelling, which usually develops within a few hours. In about 50% of cases, additional damage occurs to other knee structures such as the meniscus, cartilage, or surrounding ligaments.
A multiligament knee injury is defined as the tearing of at least two of the knee’s four major stabilizing structures: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), posteromedial corner (PMC), and posterolateral corner (PLC). These injuries are complex and often require specialized surgical intervention.
Articular cartilage, especially in the knee joint, is known for its low friction, high durability, and limited regenerative capacity. It plays a critical role in load distribution and shock absorption. Damage to this cartilage, as seen in osteoarthritis, can result in pain, reduced mobility, and joint degradation. Treatment options for cartilage damage vary and may include conservative management, surgical repair, or regenerative techniques.
A patellar dislocation occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal alignment, typically during sudden twisting or impact. This results in a partially flexed, painful, and swollen knee, with the patella visibly or palpably out of place. Potential complications include patellar fractures or the development of post-traumatic arthritis.
High tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting varus deformity (bow-legged alignment) associated with unicompartmental osteoarthritis. It involves reshaping the upper tibia (shin bone) to redistribute weight more evenly across the knee joint. This procedure is commonly performed on younger, active patients to delay or avoid total knee replacement.