Types of Knee Injuries and Their Treatment Methods

A knee injury is one of the most common problems among athletes, as the knee joint is extremely vulnerable. Injuries typically occur as a result of sudden movements, such as changes in direction or twists, during which the knee joint is subjected to significant stress. The knee not only bears our body weight but also provides a significant range of motion, further increasing the risk of injury. Various ligaments and cartilaginous structures help stabilize the joint, but these mechanisms can easily be damaged.

Common Sports with High Risk of Knee Injuries

Among sports, football, basketball, skiing, and other activities requiring quick changes of direction pose the greatest risk. Immediate rest and icing are recommended for treating knee injuries, and if the pain does not subside, medical assistance is necessary. The severity of symptoms can be assessed through X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

The Structure of the Knee Joint

The knee joint has a complex anatomy that allows for movement while also making it vulnerable. The joint is stabilized by ligaments and cartilaginous structures. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments prevent lateral displacement of the kneecap, while the cruciate ligaments regulate the forward and backward movement of the knee. The joint surfaces are covered by articular cartilage, which provides a smooth surface to minimize friction between the bones.

There are two menisci in the knee joint, made up of fibrous and elastic cartilages. One is the lateral meniscus, and the other is the medial meniscus, both of which increase the load-bearing surface and reduce the dynamic loads on the joint. Injuries often affect the four most important ligaments: the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, as well as the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. Meniscal injuries can also pose serious problems, especially in cases of significant trauma.

Knee Ligament Injuries

Knee ligament injuries are among the most common knee injuries, particularly involving the medial collateral ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament. These injuries usually occur as a result of sudden movements or accidents. Ligament stretching and micro-tears constitute a Grade I injury, which heals relatively quickly. However, if the injury is more severe, partial or complete ligament tears may occur, requiring further medical intervention.

Ligament injuries often come with sharp pain, and the knee quickly swells and becomes unstable. The recovery process typically involves rest, icing, using a knee brace, and elevating the leg. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments.

It is important to note that after ligament injuries, the knee often becomes looser and more vulnerable, so significant attention should be paid to preventing future injuries.

Meniscus Injuries

Meniscus injuries, particularly of the medial meniscus, frequently occur during sports and usually result from direct trauma. These injuries often present alongside ligament tears, and the meniscal tissue can tear or detach. Minor meniscal injuries can cause pain and swelling and can initially be treated conservatively.

If a piece of the meniscus gets trapped between the bone ends, it can cause severe pain and locking of the knee. Locking means that the knee becomes stuck in a bent position, and the patient cannot extend it. Larger meniscal injuries, which require surgical intervention, are treated using arthroscopic methods. Instead of complete meniscus removal, reconstruction is aimed at minimizing the risk of future joint problems.

Injuries to the lateral meniscus are rarer but can also be painful and may cause clicking during squatting. Treatment in this case is also done using arthroscopic procedures.

Other Knee Injuries

Surface injuries to the knee joint can also occur when trauma results in cartilage fragments or loose bodies. These bodies can become lodged in the joint, causing intense pain. The removal of such loose cartilage fragments is done through arthroscopic procedures, while mosaicplasty is used to transplant healthy cartilage islands to the damaged areas.

Tendon injuries, particularly due to high force impacts, are rare but can occur mainly in older athletes. Prolonged stress, such as frequent jumping, can lead to patellar tendonitis, which generally resolves with rest.

Professional treatment of knee injuries is particularly important, as proper rehabilitation is essential to prevent future arthrosis.

Factors Increasing Injury Risk and Prevention

The risk of knee injuries exists for anyone, but certain factors can increase their likelihood. For prevention, it is important to consider sports, age, obesity, lack of physical activity, and orthopedic disorders.

The greatest risks are associated with sports that require sudden changes in direction, jumps, and stops, such as skiing, football, basketball, and tennis. As one ages, the elasticity of ligaments decreases, which also increases the risk of injury.

Obesity places increased stress on the knee joint, leading to inflammation and cartilage damage. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weakness in the leg muscles, reducing knee stability. Orthopedic disorders, such as bowlegs or knock-knees, cause asymmetric loading, which also increases the risk of injury.

Previous knee injuries can contribute to future injuries, as already damaged ligaments and menisci can cause instability. In case of pain, the joint should always be spared, as this often indicates some underlying condition.