CPD TASK 4 (1 hour)
Cartilage Injuries in the knee:
Anatomy
The knee joint is the point at which the femur bone of the thigh meets the tibia bone of the lower leg. All the components of the knee – bones, cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, tendons, and muscles – must work together properly for the knee to move smoothly. Cartilage is a protective cushioning that keeps the bones from rubbing against one another.
Etiology
- Common in high intensity contacts sports such as football and rugby
- Can occur gradually in sports where hypermobility is important such as ballet, gymnastic and martial arts (Rolf,2007)
- Can occur from direct trauma or indirect trauma or in association of other ligament injuries (Rolf,2007)
- Risk of developing osteoarthritis is significant compared to non-injured (Rolf,2007)
- Cartilage injuries are frequently observed in young and middle-aged active athletes.
Signs and symptoms:
- Gradual or acute onset of effusion and exercise induced pain.
- Mechanical problems – locking, clicking, clunking or discomfort on impact (Rolf,2007)
- Positive compression rotation test
- Tenderness on palpation of joint line
Differential diagnosis:
- Ligaments, Menisci and capsular structures
- Meniscus injury
- Medial plica syndrome
Treatment
- Refer to orthopedic surgeon for further investigation (Rolf,2007)
- Rehabilitation usually takes 12 months (Rolf,2007)
- Cycling and swimming
- Flex and extend.
- Heel slides
- Immobile extensions
- Calf stretches
References
Rolf, C., 2007. The sports injuries handbook. London: A & C Black, pp.86-87.