Knee Injury : General Considerations
The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints in the body. Due to its vulnerability, sports related injuries often involve the knee.Injury to the knee can result in contusions, fractures, sprain, or dislocations. In many situations, there is a combination of these problems. Physical examination by a physician will be crucial in evaluating nerve and blood vessel function. In addition to normal sensory and motor (movement) function, this refers to the presence of adequate pulses in the ankles and feet.
Knee dislocations, and some fractures can disturb neurovascular function. Twisting injuries to the knee are most likely to result in sprains, while direct force (e.g. falls, motor vehicle accidents, crushing injuries) can result in fracture, or dislocation.
Common symptoms of knee injury are pain and swelling to the joint. Patients with a knee fracture will have pain while at rest, and with motion. Deformity is a symptom seen with knee fractures or dislocations. Patients with knee sprains tend to have swelling and pain that increases in the first 24 hours after the injury. Knee fractures will cause more IMMEDIATE pain, with swelling. Evaluation of the injured knee will include careful physical examination for point tenderness, deformity, and swelling. The ligaments which stabilize the joint will be tested for integrity. Bone x-rays will reveal any fractures.Treatment depends on the type of injury. Most knee injuries require ice packs, elevation, rest, and crutches. Some sprains, and all fractures, will require some kind of rigid immobilization of the knee joint in extension. Aspirin, or anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) will help reduce pain and swelling.
The Orthopaedic Surgeon is the expert in the ongoing care of knee injuries.
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