Traumatic Knee Injuries
High-impact injuries to the knee often involving fractures, ligament damage, or joint dislocation
Traumatic orthopaedic knee injuries occur when the knee is subjected to sudden, high-impact forces, causing damage to the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or muscles that make up the knee joint. These injuries can result from sports accidents, falls, or motor vehicle collisions, and they often require immediate medical attention. Traumatic knee injuries can lead to pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty walking, significantly affecting your daily life and mobility.
CAUSES OF KNEE TRAUMA
Traumatic knee injuries typically occur due to a direct blow or twisting force applied to the knee.
The most common causes include:
- Sports Accidents: High-impact or contact sports, such as football, rugby, skiing, and basketball, are common sources of knee injuries. These injuries often occur during sudden changes in direction, collisions, or falls.
- Falls: Falling from a height or slipping and landing directly on the knee can cause serious injury to the knee structures, including fractures, ligament tears, and dislocations.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: The impact of a car accident can exert significant force on the knee, causing fractures, ligament injuries, and cartilage damage.
- Direct Trauma: Any direct blow or sudden impact to the knee, whether from an accident, heavy object, or blunt force, can lead to traumatic orthopaedic knee injuries.
TYPES OF TRAUMATIC KNEE INJURIES
Traumatic knee injuries can affect various parts of the knee joint, from the bones to the ligaments and cartilage.
Common types of traumatic knee injuries include:
The knee is supported by four main ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Traumatic injuries can cause one or more of these ligaments to tear, resulting in knee instability, pain, and loss of function.
Often caused by sudden twisting or pivoting movements, common in sports.
Usually, the result of a direct impact to the front of the knee, such as in a car accident.
Typically caused by a blow to the outside or inside of the knee, often seen in contact sports.
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between your thigh bone and shin bone. A traumatic injury, especially during sports or twisting movements, can cause the meniscus to tear, leading to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
A knee fracture occurs when one of the bones that make up the knee joint (patella, femur, or tibia) breaks due to a traumatic impact. Fractures can vary from small cracks to complete breaks that may require surgical repair.
A dislocation occurs when the bones in the knee joint are forced out of their normal alignment. Knee dislocations are rare but serious and can result in damage to the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Immediate medical treatment is necessary for knee dislocations to avoid long-term damage.
The cartilage in your knee joint can be damaged by trauma, leading to pain and limited movement. Cartilage injuries often occur alongside ligament injuries and may require surgical intervention if the damage is severe.
KNEE TRAUMA SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of traumatic knee injuries can vary depending on the severity and type of injury but often include:
- Severe Pain: Pain is usually immediately following the injury and can worsen with movement or pressure.
- Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint is common and may develop quickly after the injury.
- Instability: You may feel that your knee is unstable or giving way, especially if a ligament is torn.
- Difficulty Walking: Putting weight on the injured knee may be extremely painful or impossible, leading to limping or inability to walk.
- Decreased Range of Motion: You may find it difficult to fully straighten or bend your knee.
- Bruising: Bruising around the knee may occur as a result of trauma.
DIAGNOSING KNEE TRAUMA
Accurate diagnosis is essential to identify the specific structures involved and guide appropriate treatment. Dr Liddell will carry out a thorough assessment, which may include:
- Medical History and Symptom Review: Dr Liddell will ask how the injury occurred, whether there was a fall, twist, or impact, and what symptoms developed immediately after the event.
- Physical Examination: The knee will be examined for swelling, bruising, deformity, joint instability, and range of motion. Specific tests may be used to assess ligament or tendon damage.
- X-Rays: X-rays are commonly used to identify bone fractures or joint dislocations and rule out other bony injuries.
- MRI Scan: An MRI provides a detailed view of the soft tissues within the knee, including ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and menisci, helping to identify the full extent of the injury.
- Ultrasound: In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to assess tendon damage or detect fluid within the joint, particularly if immediate imaging is required.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR KNEE TRAUMA
Treatment for traumatic knee injuries depends on the severity of the injury and the structures involved.
Dr Liddell will recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your specific needs and activity level.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR KNEE TRAUMA
For mild to moderate injuries, non-surgical treatments may be effective in managing symptoms and promoting recovery.
These might include:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): Following the RICE protocol can help reduce pain and swelling immediately after the injury.
- Immobilisation: A brace or splint may be used to stabilise the knee and allow the injured structures to heal.
- Physiotherapy: A structured physiotherapy program will be essential in restoring strength, flexibility, and stability to the knee. Your rehabilitation plan will be tailored to your specific injury.
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR KNEE TRAUMA
If the injury is severe or non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgery may be required to repair or reconstruct damaged structures in the knee.
Surgical treatment options include:
- Ligament Reconstruction: If one of the knee’s ligaments is torn, such as the ACL or PCL, reconstructive surgery may be required to restore stability to the knee. This procedure involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft.
- Meniscus Repair: In cases of a meniscus tear, Dr Liddell may perform a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to trim or repair the torn cartilage.
- Fracture Fixation: If a knee fracture is displaced or unstable, surgery may be required to realign and stabilise the bone using metal plates, screws, or rods.
- Cartilage Repair or Transplantation: If the knee cartilage is damaged, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged tissue, particularly in young or active patients.
Recovery from a traumatic knee injury depends on the type of injury and the treatment method used. Dr Liddell will provide you with a personalised rehabilitation plan that includes physiotherapy and activity modification to restore knee function.