What are the signs of a dislocated kneecap. How is a dislocated kneecap diagnosed. What treatment options are available for a dislocated kneecap. When should you seek medical attention for a knee injury. How long does it take to recover from a dislocated kneecap.

Understanding Dislocated Kneecaps: An Overview

A dislocated kneecap, also known as a dislocated patella, occurs when the bone at the front of the knee slides out of its normal position. This condition can be painful and debilitating, often requiring immediate medical attention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for a dislocated kneecap is crucial for proper management and recovery.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Kneecap

Identifying a dislocated kneecap quickly is essential for proper treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe pain in the knee
• A feeling of the knee “giving out” or buckling
• Visible swelling around the knee joint
• A noticeable bump on the outside of the knee
• Difficulty straightening or bending the affected leg
• Bruising around the knee area

Is it possible to mistake a dislocated kneecap for another injury? Yes, it’s possible to confuse a dislocated kneecap with other knee injuries such as ligament tears or fractures. However, the sudden onset of pain and visible deformity are often telltale signs of a dislocation.

Causes and Risk Factors for Kneecap Dislocation

Understanding what leads to a dislocated kneecap can help prevent future occurrences. Common causes include:

• Direct trauma to the knee, such as from a fall or collision
• Sudden twisting of the knee during sports or physical activities
• Anatomical factors, like muscle imbalances or loose ligaments
• Previous history of kneecap dislocation

Do certain individuals have a higher risk of experiencing a dislocated kneecap? Yes, some people are more prone to this injury due to factors such as:

• Participation in high-impact sports or activities
• Anatomical abnormalities in the knee joint
• Genetic predisposition to joint laxity
• Weakened quadriceps muscles

Diagnosing a Dislocated Kneecap: Medical Procedures and Tests

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of a dislocated kneecap. Healthcare professionals typically employ the following methods:

• Physical examination of the knee
• Patient history and description of the injury
• X-rays to check for bone fractures or abnormalities
• MRI scans to assess soft tissue damage

Can a dislocated kneecap be diagnosed without imaging tests? In many cases, experienced healthcare providers can diagnose a dislocated kneecap through physical examination and patient history alone. However, imaging tests are often performed to rule out other injuries and assess the full extent of the damage.

Immediate Treatment and Management of a Dislocated Kneecap

When a kneecap dislocation occurs, prompt action is necessary to minimize pain and prevent further damage. Immediate steps include:

1. Seeking emergency medical care
2. Immobilizing the affected leg
3. Applying ice to reduce swelling
4. Administering pain medication as directed by a healthcare professional

Is it safe to attempt repositioning a dislocated kneecap at home? No, it is not recommended to try repositioning a dislocated kneecap without proper medical training. Attempting to do so can cause further injury and complications. Always seek professional medical assistance for proper treatment.

Long-term Treatment and Rehabilitation for Dislocated Kneecaps

After the initial treatment, a comprehensive rehabilitation plan is essential for full recovery and prevention of future dislocations. This may include:

• Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
• Wearing a knee brace or supportive device
• Gradually returning to normal activities under medical supervision
• In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary

How long does it typically take to recover from a dislocated kneecap? Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors. Generally, patients can expect a recovery period of 4-6 weeks before returning to normal activities, with full recovery taking up to several months in some cases.

Preventing Future Kneecap Dislocations: Strategies and Techniques

While not all dislocations can be prevented, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk:

• Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and surrounding muscles
• Improving flexibility through regular stretching
• Wearing appropriate protective gear during sports activities
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees
• Proper warm-up before physical activities

Are there specific exercises that can help prevent kneecap dislocations? Yes, exercises that focus on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles can help stabilize the knee joint and reduce the risk of dislocation. Some effective exercises include:

• Straight leg raises
• Wall sits
• Clamshells
• Step-ups
• Knee extensions

It’s important to consult with a physical therapist or healthcare professional to develop a safe and effective exercise routine tailored to your individual needs.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Knee Injuries

Knowing when to seek medical help for a knee injury is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling in the knee
• Visible deformity of the knee joint
• Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
• A popping or snapping sound at the time of injury
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

Can delaying medical treatment for a dislocated kneecap lead to complications? Yes, postponing medical care for a dislocated kneecap can result in various complications, including:

• Increased risk of recurrent dislocations
• Chronic pain and instability in the knee
• Development of osteoarthritis in the joint
• Prolonged recovery time and reduced function

It’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical evaluation for any significant knee injury.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Knee

To better comprehend kneecap dislocations, it’s helpful to understand the basic anatomy of the knee joint. The knee consists of several key components:

• Patella (kneecap): A small, triangular bone that sits at the front of the knee
• Femur (thighbone): The large bone in the upper leg
• Tibia (shinbone): The larger of the two bones in the lower leg
• Ligaments: Strong bands of tissue that connect bones and provide stability
• Tendons: Tough connective tissues that attach muscles to bones
• Cartilage: Smooth tissue that cushions and protects the joint surfaces

How does the kneecap function within the knee joint? The kneecap acts as a pulley, increasing the leverage of the quadriceps muscles as they straighten the leg. It also protects the front of the knee joint. When the kneecap dislocates, it moves out of its normal track in the femoral groove, disrupting the knee’s normal function and causing pain and instability.

The Role of Imaging in Diagnosing Kneecap Dislocations

While a physical examination is often sufficient for diagnosing a dislocated kneecap, imaging tests play a crucial role in assessing the extent of the injury and identifying any associated damage. Common imaging techniques include:

• X-rays: Provide a clear view of the bones and can reveal fractures or abnormalities in knee alignment
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage
• CT (Computed Tomography) scans: Can provide 3D images of the knee joint, useful for complex cases or surgical planning

Why might a healthcare provider order multiple types of imaging tests? Different imaging techniques provide various perspectives on the injury. X-rays are useful for assessing bone structure, while MRIs excel at revealing soft tissue damage. In some cases, a combination of imaging methods may be necessary to fully understand the extent of the injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Surgical Interventions for Recurrent Kneecap Dislocations

While many cases of dislocated kneecaps can be treated non-surgically, some individuals may require surgical intervention, particularly if they experience recurrent dislocations or have underlying anatomical issues. Surgical options may include:

• Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction: Rebuilding or tightening the ligament that helps keep the kneecap in place
• Tibial tubercle transfer: Repositioning the attachment point of the patellar tendon to improve kneecap alignment
• Lateral release: Cutting tight lateral structures to reduce pull on the kneecap
• Trochleoplasty: Reshaping the groove in which the kneecap sits to improve stability

What factors determine whether surgery is necessary for a dislocated kneecap? The decision to pursue surgical treatment depends on several factors, including:

• Frequency and severity of dislocations
• Presence of underlying anatomical abnormalities
• Extent of damage to surrounding structures
• Patient’s age, activity level, and overall health
• Response to conservative treatment methods

A thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is crucial in determining the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual case.

The Psychological Impact of Kneecap Dislocations

While the physical aspects of a dislocated kneecap are often the primary focus, it’s important to recognize the potential psychological impact of this injury. Patients may experience:

• Fear of re-injury or instability
• Anxiety about returning to sports or physical activities
• Frustration with the recovery process and limitations on daily activities
• Depression or mood changes due to reduced mobility and lifestyle adjustments

How can patients address the psychological aspects of recovering from a kneecap dislocation? Coping with the emotional challenges of a kneecap dislocation is an important part of the recovery process. Strategies to address these issues may include:

• Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
• Working with a sports psychologist or mental health professional
• Setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories during rehabilitation
• Practicing relaxation techniques and stress management
• Staying engaged in hobbies and social activities within the limits of recovery

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery, patients can achieve a more comprehensive and successful rehabilitation outcome.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Kneecap Dislocation Management

As medical knowledge and technology continue to advance, new approaches to treating and preventing kneecap dislocations are being explored. Some areas of ongoing research and development include:

• Biological treatments: Using growth factors or stem cells to promote healing and tissue regeneration
• Advanced imaging techniques: Developing more precise methods for assessing knee joint mechanics and predicting dislocation risk
• Personalized rehabilitation protocols: Tailoring treatment plans based on individual patient factors and injury patterns
• Wearable technology: Utilizing smart devices to monitor knee function and provide real-time feedback during rehabilitation
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques: Refining procedures to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes

How might these emerging treatments impact the future of kneecap dislocation management? As research progresses, patients may benefit from more targeted and effective treatments, potentially leading to:

• Faster recovery times
• Reduced risk of recurrent dislocations
• Improved long-term joint health and function
• More precise prevention strategies for at-risk individuals
• Enhanced ability to return to high-level sports and activities

While many of these approaches are still in development, they offer promising avenues for improving the care and outcomes of patients with kneecap dislocations in the future.

Dislocated Kneecap (Dislocated Patella) (for Parents)

en español: Rótula dislocada

Medically reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

What Is a Dislocated Kneecap?

A dislocated kneecap is when the bone in the front of the knee — called the kneecap or patella — slides out of place.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Dislocated Kneecap?

Common symptoms of a dislocated kneecap or dislocated patella (peh-TELL-uh) include:

• feeling like the knee buckled or “gave out” 
• sudden, severe pain and swelling
• a bump noticed on the outside of the knee. This is the kneecap that is out of place. 
• the knee is held in a bent position
• bruising around the knee

How Does a Dislocated Kneecap Happen?

The kneecap sits on the front of the knee joint. When the knee is bent and straightened, the kneecap slides up and down in a groove in the front of the knee. A direct blow to the knee, such as in a fall or an accident, can push the kneecap out of the groove, or dislocate it. The kneecap also can dislocate when the knee gets twisted during sports or play.

A dislocated kneecap can happen to any child or teen who has a blow or twist to the knee. Some kids have conditions that make them more likely to dislocate the kneecap. These include things like some leg muscles being stronger than others or loose ligaments (bands of tissue that hold bones together at joints).

How Is a Dislocated Kneecap Diagnosed?

Often, doctors can tell there is a dislocated kneecap by asking questions and looking at the knee. X-rays aren’t needed for a diagnosis, but are done after the kneecap is back in place to check for small fractures in the bone. These can happen as the kneecap slides out of its groove and then back into place.

How Is a Dislocated Kneecap Treated?

A person with a dislocated kneecap needs care at the hospital right away. After giving pain medicine, the doctor or another health care provider will gently slide the kneecap back into place while straightening the leg. This quick maneuver is called a reduction. Then, they’ll order an X-ray to check for fractures.

Sometimes a dislocated kneecap may move back into place on its own if the child straightens the leg before getting to the hospital. If this happens, the doctor will still get an X-ray to check the knee for fractures.

After a kneecap is back in place, a child will need to wear a knee immobilizer (a brace that keeps the knee straight) on the knee for a few weeks and avoid activities that cause pain, such as walking, standing, and repetitive bending. Kids and teens may need crutches to help with walking. Physical therapy and strengthening exercises help to heal the knee. Often, a person will go see an orthopedic provider (bone specialist) to make sure the knee is healing well.

What Else Should I Know?

After dislocating a kneecap, kids and teens must stay out of sports and other physical activities for a few weeks. Most kids can return to these in about 4–6 weeks with therapy and exercises to build strength. Some kids might need to also use a supportive knee wrap or athletic brace during sports for a while. Your care team will let you know when your child is ready.

To help your child heal as quickly as possible, follow the doctor’s advice about:

• which activities to avoid
• which activities are OK (for example, swimming may be fine while your child heals)
• strengthening exercises
• going to all follow-up doctor visits

Talk to your health care provider about ways to prevent a future dislocation, such as:

• stretching before and after sports
• working to strengthen the leg muscles

These steps also can help protect against other injuries.

Medically reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

Date reviewed: February 2022

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Dislocated kneecap – NHS

A dislocated kneecap is where your kneecap (patella) moves out of place. It is usually caused by an injury to the knee. Get medical advice as soon as possible if you think you have a dislocated kneecap.

Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:

You’ve injured your knee and:

• it’s very painful
• it’s swollen or bruised
• you cannot stand up or move your knee
• you think your kneecap dislocated and then moved back into place

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Go to A&E if:

You’ve injured your knee and:

• your knee has changed shape
• it becomes very swollen very quickly
• you felt a pop or snap in your knee
• you can see bone sticking out of your skin
• it’s bleeding heavily

Call 999 if you’re unable to get to A&E.

While you are waiting for medical help

If you think you have dislocated your kneecap, there are some things you can do while waiting for treatment:

Don’t

• do not raise the affected knee

• do not try to stand or walk on the affected leg

• do not try to put the kneecap back into place yourself

Treatment for a dislocated kneecap

A dislocated kneecap often moves back into place by itself.

Even if it does, you will still need to get it checked by a doctor. You will usually need X-rays or an MRI scan.

If your kneecap does not go back into place by itself, a doctor may have to move it back. You will be given a local anaesthetic and may be offered a sedative so you do not feel any pain.

Surgery may be needed if you have badly damaged your knee. Some people may also need surgery to stop the knee from dislocating again.

After treatment, you’ll need to go to follow-up appointments to check your knee is healing properly.

Recovering from a dislocated kneecap

It can take 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover from a dislocated kneecap, but you will usually be able to walk using the affected knee within a few days.

You may be given a knee support to wear for 2 weeks to help it heal. If walking is painful, using a crutch may help.

Your doctor or a physiotherapist will show you knee exercises that you should do regularly to help speed up your recovery.

Things you can do to help your recovery

There are some things you can do to help with the recovery of a dislocated kneecap.

Do

• take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain

• keep your knee and lower leg slightly raised and supported when resting to reduce swelling

• do knee exercises throughout the day to stop your knee getting stiff

• stay as active as you can

Page last reviewed: 25 January 2023
Next review due: 25 January 2026

Knee injury: consequences and rehabilitation

Knee injury is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. First of all, professional athletes are at risk, as well as rollerbladers and cyclists, skiers, and snowboarders. Sometimes people get a knee injury as a result of a car accident.

For mild knee injuries, it is recommended to reduce physical activity and apply ice compresses. Severe injuries will require surgery and rehabilitation with the participation of a physical therapist. The most common types of knee injuries are: bruise, dislocation, knee fracture, sprain, meniscus tear.

Let’s talk about common injuries and rehabilitation methods.

Patient in physical therapy session

Fracture of the knee

Any bone in and around the knee can be broken, but the most common fracture is the patella, for example as a result of a fall or car accident. People with osteoporosis are at risk of fracture due to reduced bone density.

A displaced fracture may require surgery, but if the bone is in the correct position, it is enough to wear an orthopedic immobilizer (fixator) to keep the knee in the desired position, and also not to load the leg and patiently wait for recovery.

If the injury was caused by jumping and landing on a straight knee, then it is important to take not only an x-ray of the patella, but also a CT scan to make sure that the bones are not displaced, the fracture will not cause complications to the femur and will not lead to arthritis in the future and chronic pain.

Knee dislocation

Falls, contact sports and car accidents are the most common causes of knee dislocation. With it, one or more bones can be displaced from their natural position. A dislocation can damage the blood vessels and nerves around the knee and may require surgery. Displaced patella can be very painful, but easily reversible injury – you need to see a doctor to set the patella in place and apply a splint. Subsequently, a set of physiotherapeutic exercises developed by a specialist in a hospital or rehabilitation center is recommended.

Tendon rupture

Tendons are soft tissues that connect muscles to bones. In the event of a knee injury, the tendon of the kneecap is damaged. This injury can be obtained during sports and as a result of accidental falls. The elderly are also at risk.

If a person cannot lift their leg due to a torn tendon, they should see a doctor as soon as possible. You may need to do an x-ray and an MRI. If they confirm the rupture, then surgery will be required, after which a plaster is installed. Recovery can be lengthy and should be supervised by an orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist.

Injury to the meniscus

The meniscus is a small piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the joint, so if it is damaged, the knee loses stability. A meniscus injury is characterized by inability to flex and straighten the leg, difficulty going up and down stairs, and a characteristic click can be heard when the knee moves. Athletes and dancers know a lot about meniscus damage – this is one of the most common injuries.

A meniscal tear can be identified using X-ray and MRI. Damage may require arthroscopy or surgery. A torn meniscus may require surgery to remove it. When displaced, the orthopedic doctor sets the meniscus in place and puts a plaster or splint, after which physiotherapy is necessary.

There are also degenerative lesions of the meniscus caused by the aging process. Then the injury can be obtained when performing simple exercises: squats, getting up from your haunches, or even in a dream. Treatment and rehabilitation for degenerative lesions should be discussed with an orthopedic and physical therapist.

Tendinitis

This is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the lower leg and the kneecap. Athletes, especially runners, are most at risk, as the cause of tendinitis is constant overexertion and microtrauma. Tendinitis is characterized by pain when pressing on the ligaments and sharp pain during peak exercise during sports. For treatment, you will first need to give up sports, then relieve inflammation with the help of medications, take a course of therapeutic exercises. In special cases, surgery may be needed to remove diseased tissue.

General symptoms

Pain characteristics and intensity may depend on the type of knee injury. But there are symptoms that you should pay attention to in all cases of injury:

• Swelling of the knee,
• Inability to bend or straighten the knee,
• Cracking in the knee,
• Visible bone deformity,
• Increased temperature in the knee area,
• Difficulty in carrying weights,
• Constant aching and non-recurring sharp pain,
• Loss of sensation in the knee area.

When to see a doctor

If your symptoms are as described above and first aid and home care do not help, you should see a doctor.
Emergency care is needed immediately after an injury to prevent complications, and in situations of severe swelling and fever in the knee area, which may be an indicator of infection. This is especially important for people with weak immune systems, children, and people who have had previous knee surgery.

An initial examination can be performed by a general practitioner. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is worth contacting a surgeon and an orthopedist. To determine the nature of the injury, the doctor examines the knee and palpates, revealing pathologies. An x-ray may be needed to assess the nature of the injury. An MRI is needed if there is a suspicion of ligament and meniscal injury. Physiotherapists will ensure an effective rehabilitation process.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of knee injury:

• Overweight. Increases stress on the knee joints even during normal activities such as walking or going up and down stairs. It also increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis by destroying articular cartilage.

• Lack of muscle flexibility. Strong and toned muscles help stabilize and protect joints, while muscle flexibility allows for greater range of motion and thus less risk of meniscus injury.

• Some sports. Alpine skiing, basketball, jogging require more stress on the knees than other sports. If you play these sports, it is worth checking regularly with your doctor.

• Previous injury. Having a previous knee injury increases the chance of getting a new one.

The recovery process

The goal of knee treatment and recovery is to return the person to their level of activity and quality of life as they were before the injury. The prognosis for recovery is always individual and depends on the type of injury, as well as the amount of exercise performed. Depending on the type of damage, rehabilitation can take several weeks or several months.

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first aid, methods of treatment, types, reasons, what to do

The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex in the human body. At the same time, this is a very fragile joint, which, in terms of the frequency of injuries, is comparable only to the ankle joint. This is due to the high stress that the knee bears when walking, cycling and skiing or playing football, as it carries the weight of the entire body as it moves. A knee injury is the most common reason people see a doctor. In case of minor injuries, conservative treatment is carried out, however, there are injuries when a surgical operation is necessary for recovery, followed by rehabilitation.

Content:

1. Causes of knee injuries
2. What are knee injuries: the most common cases
   1. knee fracture
   2. Dislocation of the knee
   3. Knee injury
   4. meniscus injury
   5. tendon rupture
   6. Knee sprain
   7. Tendinitis
3. Risk Factors Leading to Knee Injury
4. First aid for knee injuries
5. Treatment of knee injuries
6. Exercises to develop the knee joint after injury

Causes of knee injuries

Most often, athletes have knee injuries, but the knee joint can be easily damaged even in everyday life. The main causes of domestic injuries are:

• fall from a height;
• sudden extension and flexion of the knee;
• high jump landing on a straight leg;
• hit with a hard object in the knee joint;
• excessive twisting of the lower leg and thigh in opposite directions.

In addition, knee injury can occur in people who suffer from diseases that weaken the knee joint: arthrosis and arthritis, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, inflammation of bone tissue caused by impaired collagen synthesis, lack of vitamins and minerals, and other pathologies.

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What are knee injuries: the most common cases

Athletes and people whose work is associated with increased physical exertion should be aware of what knee injuries can be. The most common injuries are: contusion, dislocation, sprain and rupture of the medial or lateral ligament, fractures of the patella and bones (external and internal), violation of the integrity of the meniscus.

Important!

Any damage to the knee joint causes similar pain, therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to contact a traumatologist, who, using X-ray examination or CT, will accurately determine what kind of injury the patient has experienced.

Knee Fracture

Any bone in the knee joint can break in a fall, car accident, or impact with a hard object, but the kneecap is usually fractured. It is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, hemorrhage into the joint cavity due to rupture of blood vessels, and the inability to raise a straight leg. The diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray examination. In case of a fracture with a displacement of the bone, surgical intervention is indicated, during which the fragments are pulled together and connected to each other using plates and screws. If the fragments are in an anatomical position, it is recommended to wear an orthopedic fixator that holds the joint in the desired position, and to perform physiotherapy.

Dislocation of the knee

Dislocation of the knee is a serious injury in which one or more bones are displaced from their anatomical position. Causes include a sudden change of direction during a fall, an accident, a sharp knee rotation due to mechanical force. In many cases, the dislocation is painful, but is easily reduced by a traumatologist, followed by splinting. If, as a result of an injury, blood vessels and nerve fibers in the articulation area are damaged, there is a risk of developing ischemic complications. In this case, surgical treatment is necessary.

Knee contusion

Knee contusion is a traumatic injury resulting from a fall, a blow with a blunt object or a sharp rotation of the torso on a fixed foot, which occurred without compromising the integrity of the articulation structures. When bruised, the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and all intra-articular elements suffer. With a mild injury, capillary rupture does not occur, due to reflex spasm and vasodilation, edema and hematomas are observed. With a strong bruise, there is pain, severe hemorrhage, the affected tissues are saturated with blood. When it enters the articular cavity, hemarthrosis or synovitis is diagnosed.

Meniscus injury

The meniscus is a fibrous cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint during movement. Injury to the meniscus of the knee joint is most often found in athletes, ballet dancers, people performing heavy physical work. If the meniscus is damaged, it is impossible to bend and straighten the leg, there are difficulties with climbing and descending stairs. Symptoms are characteristic clicks, pain, swelling, limited movement. When X-ray diagnostics and MRI in the joint, an accumulation of fluid is detected. When the cartilage is displaced, the orthopedist inserts them into place and applies a cast or splint. For small tears, arthroscopy of the knee joint is performed to relieve swelling, remove fluid and restore mobility. With extensive tears, an operation is performed to remove the meniscus.

Tendon rupture

Tendon joints are located under the knee and are responsible for flexion and extension of the hip, keeping the body in an upright position when walking. Injuries are provoked by active sports, open fractures, knee injuries with sharp objects, improper load distribution, and age-related tissue degeneration. The main symptoms are intense pain in the knee and gait disturbance caused by difficulty bending the leg while walking. If you have difficulty lifting the straight leg, you should contact a traumatologist or orthopedist to do an x-ray examination and an MRI. If the rupture is confirmed, the patient will need surgery followed by a cast on the knee.

Sprain of the knee ligaments

Injuries of the ligaments of the knee joint are formed when the lower leg is twisted outward or inward, with direct blows, falls from a height, road accidents, and other multicomponent effects. At the time of injury, the victim feels a click and sharp pain. The mobility of the lower leg is impaired, swelling and hematomas may form, lameness, signs of joint instability may appear.

Diagnosis of fresh injuries is carried out under local anesthesia, x-rays are prescribed to exclude a fracture, MRI for layer-by-layer examination of ligaments, cartilage and tendons, ultrasound to determine the volume of synovial fluid. The leg is fixed with an elastic bandage, in difficult cases arthroscopy of the knee joint is prescribed.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis of the knee is an inflammatory process that affects the patellar ligament. Inflammation is localized in the area of ​​the tendon that connects the patella to the lower leg. The causes of the disease are microtrauma and constant overstrain of the tendon. The disease is most often diagnosed in athletes: athletes, football players, basketball players, tennis players. It is characterized by severe pain during extreme loads, as well as pain when pressing on the ligaments in a calm state. Predisposing factors are: foot pathology, wearing uncomfortable shoes, joint injuries, an ill-conceived training schedule, jumping on a hard surface, heavy weight.

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Risk factors for knee injury

Risk factors for various types of knee injury include:

1. Being overweight. Increases the load on the articular joints during normal movements, destroys articular cartilage, increases the likelihood of developing arthritis and arthrosis.
2. Weakness of the muscular system. Well-developed muscles hold and protect the joints from injury, increase the range of motion.
3. Chronic injuries and inflammations. Poorly healed previous injuries to cartilage and bone tissue increase the risk of new injuries.
4. Active sports activities. Increase the load on the knee joint and increase the risk of injury basketball, football, hockey, skiing, jogging.

First Aid for Knee Injuries

For those who play sports or work that involves heavy physical exertion, it is important to know how to determine which knee injury has occurred in order to provide first aid to the victim. This is a standard procedure that requires:

1. Provide peace. The person should be laid on a flat hard surface and slightly raise the injured leg by placing a pillow or roller under it.
2. Put a splint or compression bandage on the leg (except for a broken joint) to fix it in a stationary horizontal position.
3. Apply ice to the injury site for 2 to 3 hours. This will reduce pain and swelling.
4. In case of severe pain, give the victim any pain medication.
5. If there is an open fracture, stop the bleeding by applying a tourniquet to the leg above the site of injury, indicating the time. After an hour, the tourniquet must be loosened and shifted a little higher.

Important!

You can not independently set the joint in case of dislocation, touch the bone fragments in case of an open fracture or try to put them in place, warm up the knee within 48 hours after the injury, since there is a high risk of complications.

Treatment of knee injuries

Depending on the nature of the injury, knee injuries are treated in different ways. Minor injuries are treated with conservative methods: therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy, medication. The most serious injuries are considered to be an injury to the meniscus of the knee, a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and a fracture of the knee joint. The most effective and safe methods of treatment are used in the Department of Surgery of the Garvis Clinic:

1. Metal osteosynthesis. It is performed with multi-comminuted, periarticular and intra-articular fractures of bones. During the operation, an orthopedic traumatologist installs metal implants that allow you to match and hold bone fragments in the correct anatomical position, which contributes to the rapid healing of the damaged bone.
2. Arthroscopy of the knee. A minimally invasive operation, the indications for which are both chronic injuries that occurred more than 1 month ago, as well as fresh meniscus injuries, synovitis and other pathologies. During arthroscopy, 2 small incisions are made, into one of which a special solution is introduced to wash the articular cavity, and into the other – an arthroscope with a microvideo camera. The doctor sees the image on the monitor and can perform the necessary manipulations. The advantage of arthroscopy is the absence of negative consequences after the procedure.
3. Knee replacement. A complex endoscopic operation, during which a damaged and worn joint is replaced with an artificial one. Endoprosthetics is performed in case of improper bone fusion and the ineffectiveness of conservative methods of treating arthrosis, bone tissue necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, purulent inflammation of the joint and other diseases.

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Exercises to develop the knee joint after injury

Very often people are wondering what to do to prevent knee injuries. The answer is simple enough. Massage of the knee joint after an injury and a set of exercises will help reduce the risk of re-injury and restore knee mobility:

1. Sliding the heel on the floor. The exercise is performed in the supine position. The heel, without lifting off the floor, must be slowly moved to the buttocks and slowly returned to its original position.
2. Flexion of the injured knee with the healthy leg. Suitable for early rehabilitation after injury. Exercise is done while sitting on a chair. Placing a healthy leg over the patient, they try to bend the damaged knee joint as much as possible.
3. Knee flexion with belt. The patient sits on a chair and rests on a healthy leg. The ankle of the injured leg is secured with a strap that is wrapped around the leg of the chair, with the free end in the hand. It is necessary to pull the belt towards you so that the injured knee bends until pain appears in the thigh area.
4. Knee extension with support. Sitting on a chair and focusing on a healthy leg, the foot of the diseased limb is placed on a chair or cabinet so that the injured knee remains on weight. To extend the leg, you can use various weights.