TREATMENTS
Traumatic knee injuries
Knee traumatology encompasses a wide variety of injuries and conditions affecting the bones, tendons, ligaments and tissues of this joint.
KNEE TRAUMATOLOGY IN FIGURES
%
of all musculoskeletal fractures are knee fractures.
months is the average duration of sick leave following an intra-articular knee fracture.
%
of jumping or explosive running athletes are affected by patellar tendinopathy.
months for return to sport after patellar tendon surgery.
Traumatology
The most common pathologies include fractures of the tibial plateau, patella and distal femur, as well as problems such as bursitis, tendinitis and syndromes derived from overloads or repetitive movements.
Tibial Plateau Fracture
What is
It is a fracture in the upper part of the tibia (tibial plateau), which is part of the knee joint.
Cause
It usually occurs due to direct trauma, such as falls or traffic accidents.
Diagnosis
It is diagnosed by X-rays and sometimes CT scans to assess damage to joint structures.
Treatment
In non-displaced cases, it is treated with immobilization and physiotherapy. In displaced or complex fractures, it may require surgery using plates with screws or an endomedullary nail.
Patella Fracture
What is
It is a fracture of the patella bone, which is the sesamoid bone located in the quadriceps tendon.
Cause
It is usually caused by direct trauma such as falls or strong blows.
Diagnosis
Knee radiography, generally in anteroposterior and lateral views.
Treatment
Surgery may be required to stabilize the bone fragments with cerclage or screws. In simple cases, immobilization is sufficient.
Distal Femur Fracture
What is
It is a fracture in the lower part of the femur, just above the knee.
Cause
Usually due to severe trauma, such as traffic accidents or falls from a great height.
Diagnosis
Knee X-ray and CT scan to evaluate complex fractures.
Treatment
In severe cases, surgery is required to stabilize the fragments with plates and screws or an endomedullary nail.
Knee Bursitis
What is
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in the knee, which facilitate the movement of tendons and ligaments.
Cause
Caused by repetitive overload, infections or direct injury.
Diagnosis
Clinical history, physical examination and, occasionally, ultrasound.
Treatment
Rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some cases, surgical drainage of the bursa if infected.
Anserinus tendinitis
What is
Inflammation of the tendons of three tendons that insert on the proximal anteromedial aspect of the tibia (sartorius, semimembranosus and semitendinosus).
Cause
Overloading or repetitive movements such as running or climbing stairs, as well as misalignment of the leg.
Diagnosis
Physical examination and ultrasound or MRI if necessary.
Treatment
Rest, physiotherapy, stretching and in severe cases, corticosteroid infiltrations or PRP.
Illiotibial tract syndrome
What is
Inflammation of the iliotibial band, which is a thick tendon that runs along the outer side of the thigh proximal to the knee joint.
Cause
Overload in runners or cyclists, or poor running mechanics.
Diagnosis
Physical examination and sometimes MRI or ultrasound.
Treatment
Stretching, physiotherapy and use of anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Patellar Tendon Rupture
What is
Rupture of the patellar tendon, which connects the patella to the tibia.
Cause
It usually occurs in sports that involve jumping or sudden movements, such as basketball.
Diagnosis
Physical examination, ultrasound or MRI.
Treatment
It requires surgery to put it back in place.
Quadricipital Tendon Rupture
What is
Injury to the tendon of the quadriceps muscle that connects the muscle to the patella.
Cause
Excessive strain on the quadriceps, such as jumping or falling.
Diagnosis
Physical examination and MRI.
Treatment
It usually requires surgery to repair the tendon with sutures.
Chondromalacia Patella
What is
Wear of the patellar cartilage, causing pain and difficulty of movement.
Cause
Misalignment of the patella or repetitive overload.
Diagnosis
Physical examination, ultrasound or MRI.
Treatment
It requires surgery to put it back in place.
Baker’s cyst
What is
It is an accumulation of synovial fluid in the back of the knee, forming an occasionally palpable lump and limiting knee flexion.
Cause
Arthritis, osteoarthritis or meniscal or ligament injuries of the knee.
Diagnosis
It is detected by physical examination and confirmed by ultrasound or MRI.
Treatment
Conservative: Rest, anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. Occasionally drainage or steroid infiltrations are required, and in severe cases, it is removed by surgery.
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