Image – Wedge Opener

After a meniscus tear there are 5 options:• Leave alone and allow symptoms to settle reducing activity levels – safe if this results in no pain and no swelling in the knee• Arthroscopic surgery to remove the torn fragment – a very common and successful procedure• Arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn fragment – performed…

Preoperatively in outpatients alignment x-rays of the whole of both legs are taken to help determine the exact amount of correction required. A hinged knee brace is ordered which will support the leg while the bone heals and yet it will allow some early range of movement exercises.

Early physiotherapy is directed at patella mobility in addition to static quadriceps and hamstring work maintaining muscle bulk. The most important part of the initial rehabilitation is to maintain patella mobility in the medial/lateral plane as well as the superior/inferior plane. Once the wound has settled then mobilisation of the patella tendon should also start…

Evidence base for Rehabilitation Techniques for cartilage repair have been developed over the last 15 to 20 years but unfortunately there is no detailed scientific basis for rehabilitation programmes. Most of what is followed at the moment is based on a combination of basic science work combined with expert opinions and published techniques with rehabilitation…

Joint Loading and Biomechanics Loading of a joint can have variable effects on the articular cartilage. Sudden impact loading can cause specific damage and in addition repetitive loading may also promote degenerative change whereas appropriate load within the required range will help with nutrition and function of the joint. The articular cartilage acts as a…