KNEE CONDITIONS
AT GUSTAVEL ORTHOPEDICS

There are four ligaments in the knee that help hold the bones of the knee joint in position and prevent it from moving in an undesired direction. The collateral ligaments support the knee medially and laterally. The cruciate ligaments stabilize the knee anteriorly and posteriorly. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevents the knee from gliding anteriorly.

Injury can occur to articular cartilage due to either normal wear and tear or acute trauma, such as a sports injury. When the cartilage is damaged, the joint surface is no longer smooth, and so movement along it may cause pain.

Chondromalacia patella causes pain in the front of the knee and is the most common cause of chronic knee pain. The kneecap (patella) is normally attached to the thighbone (femur) in a straight line by the quadriceps muscle. This condition results in chondromalacia patella.

The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a gliding surface and prevents friction during movement. It also protects pressure points between the muscle and the skin, especially around the knee joints, bones, and tendons. Bursitis is a condition diagnosed when one of the bursae located around the Achilles tendon, hip, elbow, or knee joint becomes inflamed.

A kneecap dislocation or patellar sublimation occurs when there is a sudden twisting of the knee. The patella does not hold within its groove or swing from one side to the other, leading to the knee problem. Those with weak knee joints are prone to such conditions at any time of their life. Other individuals at risk for kneecap dislocation are teenagers and athletes due to their activity level.

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is the thin band of tissue in the outer side of the knee connecting the femur in the thigh to the fibula in the calf. It contributes to the stabilization of the knee and controls the side-to-side motion relating to quick turns and stops in motion.

The medial collateral ligament is a long band of connective tissue that runs along the inside of your knee. It is used to anchor your shin and thigh bones together and stabilize them during movement. If the outside edge of an athlete's knee takes a strong enough impact, the thin band of tissue that comprises the MCL can stretch to the point of severe strain or even breakage.

There are two disk shaped structures in the knee that serve as “shock absorbers”. They help to stabilize the knee and help with load transmission. The medial meniscus lies on the inside of the knee and the lateral meniscus lies on the outside of the knee. The medial meniscus is less mobile and more susceptible to injury. It is often associated with an ACL tear. The lateral meniscus is more mobile and less prone to tear.

Progressive wear and tear of the articular surfaces of the knee leads to osteoarthritis. It can occur in the medial compartment, lateral compartment, patellofemoral compartment or a combination of the multiple compartments. As the articular cartilage breaks down, the underlying bone can become exposed.

The ends of the bony surfaces of our joints are lined with articular cartilage. This applies to the knee as well. An injury to this type of cartilage and the underlying bone is called an osteochondral injury.

Pain in the front of the knee (often called “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee”) is also known as patellofemoral pain. It is caused by abnormal mechanics of the kneecap gliding in the femoral trochlea. It can occur in both athletes and non-athletes.

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a tissue band in the knee, which helps connect the femur to the tibia and its counterpart, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).