Multidirectional instability in the knee refers to a knee that is extremely unstable. Typically, multidirectional instability is due to ligaments of the knee being injured from a knee dislocation, it can also occur in patients with significant joint laxity, such as those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
When there is suspicion for a multi-ligament knee injury, four main ligament areas of the knee must be assessed for possible injury. Within these areas, there can be several bundles or structures that need to be reconstructed.
The four main ligament areas of the knee that need assessment include: anterior cruciate […]
The menisci are essential shock absorbers for the joint. They are also important for normal gait and stability of the knee. We are just starting to understand the role that a partial meniscectomy has on a patient’s overall gait pattern, their subsequent muscle weakness, and the overload of the joint that occurs when […]
ACL reconstructions are among the most common orthopaedic procedures performed in the United States. However, despite surgery intended to stabilize the joint, individuals who undergo an ACL reconstruction have a 3 to 5 times greater risk of developing posttraumatic arthritis of the knee. Thus, it […]
To understand osteoarthritis of the knee, it is important to understand the conditions of a healthy knee.
Osteoarthritis forms when there is damage to the articular cartilage. The articular cartilage is the “gristle” at the end of the femur, tibia, and patella. The synovial fluid in the knee and articular cartilage at the […]
Osteochondritis dissecans can affect any joint in the body but the knee is the most commonly affected joint.
Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee, or OCD knee, is a condition that is caused by a reduction of blood flow to the end of a bone within the knee joint. This condition occurs most […]
Patellar chondromalacia refers to pain around the front (anterior) part of the knee. In the past, it was often a wastebasket term for describing anterior knee pain. However, patellar chondromalacia refers to a specific diagnosis of the knee.
Injuries, wear and tear, or genetics may play a role in the breakdown of the […]
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A complex knee injury occurs when more than one ligament within the knee has been damaged. The major knee ligaments are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Two or more of these ligaments are […]
