Function
The knee is a complex multi action joint and is one of the main drivers for human movement. Its primary function is to perform flexion (bending the knee) and extension (straightening the knee). These actions are key to performing almost all human movements such as walking, jumping, running, sprinting and squatting. The knee has several passive and active components to help facilitate movements in the legs.
Anatomy
The knee is made up of 4 bones, The Femur, Tibia, Fibula and Patella, which provide the general structure of the knee.
In between the Tibia and Femur lies the meniscus, which acts as a shock absorber and joint stablliser, among other secondary roles.
To stabilise the joint there are several ligaments that prevent excessive movements of the upper and lower portions of the leg.
The active components of the knee consist of the quadriceps muscles, Hamstrings, and the adductors.
Common mechanisms of injury
Knee injuries can occur from two main mechanisms: traumatic and atraumatic.
Traumatic injury
The knee is capable of repeatedly withstanding and producing forces several times the body weight of a person. However when this limit is exceeded, injuries will often occur. Common examples are direct impacts from tackles during sports and muscle strains.
Atraumatic injury
The knee may undergo repeated stress over time and progressively exceed its capacity to withstand these forces, resulting in injuries occurring over time. Common examples include patella tendonopathy, Patellofemoral pain syndrome and certain types of ligament injuries.
Common injuries
Post operative treatment
- Total knee replacements
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Tendon repair
- Muscle repair
Soft tissue injuries
- ACL sprain
- PCL sprain
- MCL sprain
- LCL sprain
- Meniscus tears
- Patellofemoral pain
- Muscle tendinopathies
Bone injuries
- Fractures
- Arthiritis
- OCD
Muscle injuries
- Muscle strains
- Quad strains
- Distal hamstring strains
- Distal adductor strains
- Proximal calf strain