Knee
ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments of the knee that provide stability to the knee joint and prevent the bones of the upper and lower leg from moving out of alignment. While damage to the ACL is often associated with non-contact sports such as soccer, volleyball and alpine skiing, the ACL can also be damaged during many activities of daily living such as descending stairs, falling off of ladders or landing incorrectly from a jump.
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Arthrofibrosis
Arthrofibrosis comes from the Greek words for arthro (joint), fib (fibrous) and osis (abnormality). It is a condition that can affect any joint of the body but is most commonly associated with the knee joint. Arthrofibrosis can occur as a result of the natural aging process or as a complication following knee surgery or trauma to the knee, causing the knee joint to produce excess scar tissue. As the knee continues to produce scar tissue, it causes the joint capsule to shrink, resulting in loss of range of motion. As the joint capsule shrinks, tendons that surround the joint and attach muscle to bone also shrink in an attempt to stabilize the knee joint.
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Chondral Injuries
Chondral injuries are conditions that affect the cartilage of the joints. Cartilage is a specialized type of tissue that covers the ends of the bone in joints that make contact with each other. In the knee joint, cartilage covers the surfaces of the end of the femur (the upper leg bone) and the tibia (the lower leg bone). It functions as a shock absorber by cushioning and reducing the amount of friction between the bones, resulting in smooth flexion and extension of the knee.
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Knee Pain
Knee pain has many causes and affects one in three adults over the age of 45. While it often develops as a result sports injuries, it can affect almost anyone. The most common forms of knee pain include the following:
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MCL Injuries
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four primary ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. The MCL is a tough, fibrous band that attaches to the end of the thigh bone (femur), spanning the knee joint to the top of the tibia, one of the lower leg bones. Its primary purpose is to maintain normal spacing between the femur and the tibia and provide stability to the knee.
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Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears are a common type of injury that occurs during athletics or as part of the normal aging process. The meniscus is made up of two C-shaped discs of tough, fibrous material (medial and lateral meniscus) that cushion and separate the end of the upper leg bone (femur) from one of the lower leg bones (tibia). The healthy meniscus is usually thicker along the outside edges and gradually thins as it slopes to the middle of the knee. This configuration helps with knee joint alignment, stabilizes and distributes the body weight across the knee joint.
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Microfracture Surgery
Microfracture surgery is a surgical procedure that is used in individuals with damaged or missing cartilage in the knee joint. While it is not indicated for everyone, patients who choose to undergo the procedure and adhere to strict rehabilitation can enjoy years of full knee function without having to give up their favorites sports and activities.
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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is caused by the kneecap (patella) tracking incorrectly over the knee joint. There are many causes of the syndrome, including overuse, biomechanical and muscular dysfunctions. It is common in runners, cyclists and other athletes who perform repetitive motions of the knee.
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Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is one of four primary ligaments that provide knee stability. The PCL prevents the lower leg from sliding backward against the thigh bone of the upper leg. While not as common as injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), injuries to the PCL represent over twenty percent of all knee ligament injuries.
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