The Knee – a review of current practice
Information written by Tim Spalding
Updated by Adam Pearce, 3rd Year Medical Student
6th Edition -February 2015
Contents
Appendix A – Arthroscopy of the Knee
Appendix B – Obesity and the Knee
Introduction Obesity is one of the most common comorbidities in patients seen in the knee clinic. With obesity levels in the UK rising every year, over 50% of the population is set to be clinically obese by 2050. At such levels, it is projected that Obesity could cost the NHS nearly £50 billion per year….
A synopsis of diagnosis and management – Introduction The patello femoral compartment of the knee is a common source of pain and symptoms in the knee. The aim of this section is to provide a simple guide and outline for the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with anterior knee pain. In general pain can…
Introduction When dealing with the acutely injured knee, detection of injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an essential part of the management aim. Most acute knee injuries will settle over time and patients will be tempted to return to sport. However, ruptures to the anterior cruciate ligament will result in a patient feeling…
Introduction Total knee replacement (TKR) has now become a very common and successful procedure for managing the severely arthritic knee. Pain relief is generally excellent and the level of function that a patient can expect is improving with advances in both the surgical technique and in rehabilitation. This means that knee replacement is being offered…
Introduction Arthroscopy of the knee is an operation in which a small camera, and possibly surgical instruments, are inserted into the knee through two or three small puncture wounds. Understanding what the basic procedure entails is straightforward if we look at the etymology of the word. arthro- : relating to joints scopy: viewing, observation or…
Introduction The meniscus, or footballer’s cartilage, is the protective shim between the femur and tibia. It is classically injured in a weight bearing twisting type mechanism. The main function of the meniscus is to protect the articulating surfaces of the bone by distributing the load across the joint. The lateral meniscus is the most important…