Knee
The knee is one of the largest joints in the human body. Knee pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking orthopaedic advice, as it is a condition that can significantly affect the patient’s daily life, work, and overall quality of life.
The knee and its conditions
The knee is formed by the thigh bone (femur), the shin bone (tibia) and the kneecap (patella). The ends of the bones are covered with articular cartilage, the menisci act as shock absorbers between the thigh bone and the shin bone, and ligaments such as the anterior cruciate ligament stabilise the joint.
This is why knee pain can come from different structures: from wear of the cartilage, as in chondropathy and arthritis, from a meniscus or cruciate ligament tear after a twisting injury, or from a tendon injury, such as a quadriceps tendon rupture. For each condition you will find the symptoms, the diagnosis and the treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most common knee conditions?
Common conditions include arthritis and chondropathy, which are caused by wear of the cartilage, meniscus tears and anterior cruciate ligament tears, which usually happen during sudden twisting movements or sports injuries, and tendon injuries such as a quadriceps tendon rupture. Runner’s knee, pain around the kneecap caused by overuse, is also common.
When should knee pain be examined?
When the pain does not improve within a few weeks. You need prompt assessment if you cannot move the knee or put weight on it, if the knee is very swollen or has changed shape, or if you have a high temperature with redness or warmth around the knee.
Is an MRI scan always needed?
No. For many conditions the diagnosis is made from the history and the clinical examination. An MRI scan is used when a more detailed picture is needed, for example to assess the extent of a tear or associated damage to the meniscus and cartilage, or when the symptoms do not settle with treatment.