Knee Anatomy In Brief.
The knee is a delicate joint that experiences significant stress from routine tasks like lifting and kneeling as well as from high-impact exercises like jogging and aerobics.
The following components combine to make the knee:
Femur. The thighbone, or upper leg bone, is this.
Patella. The kneecap is seen here.
Each bone's end is protected by a layer of cartilage, which also serves to absorb shock and protect the knee. The two long leg bones that make up the knee are linked by tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
The quadriceps muscles, which are found on the front of the thighs and straighten the legs, and the hamstring muscles, which are found on the back of the thighs and bend the leg at the knee, are two groups of muscles that work together in the knee.
Tendons are strong tissue strands that attach muscles to bones. Ligaments are elastomeric tissue bands that join one bone to another. Some ligaments in the knee protect and stabilise the joints, while others prevent the tibia from moving forward or backward (shin bone).
What Are Some Typical Knee Issues?
The ageing process and ongoing wear and tension on the knee joint are the causes of numerous knee issues (such as, arthritis). Other knee issues are brought on by an injury or an abrupt motion that stresses the knee. There are several typical knee issues, including:
knee ligaments or muscles that have been strained or sprained. Typically, a blow to the knee or an abrupt twist of the knee results in a sprained or strained knee ligament or muscle. Pain, swell- ing, and difficulty walking are common symptoms.
damaged cartilage Meniscal tears can occur after knee trauma (pads of connective tissue that act as shock absorbers and also enhance stability). Sprains frequently go hand in hand with cartilage rips. To prevent future damage to the knee during an activity, treatment may involve wearing a brace. The tear might require surgery to be repaired.
Tendonitis. Overusing a tendon when engaging in certain sports, such as running, leaping, or cycling, may cause tendon inflammation. Jumper's knee is a term for patellar tendonitis. This frequently happens in sports like basketball where the power of landing after a jump stretches the tendon.
Arthritis. The most prevalent kind of arthritis that affects the knee is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which the joint's cartilage gradually deteriorates. Middle-aged and elderly adults are frequently impacted. Excessive stress on the joint, such as from recurrent injuries or being overweight, can lead to osteoarthritis. By inflaming the knee joint and eroding the knee cartilage, rheumatoid arthritis can also have an effect on the knees. People frequently have rheumatoid arthritis at a younger age than osteoarthritis.
How Are Knee Issues Identified?
A thorough medical history and physical examination are not the only tests for knee issues.
X-ray. Invisible electromagnetic energy beams are used in this test to create images of interior organs, bones, and tissues on film.
imaging with magnetic resonance (MRI). This test creates comprehensive images of the body's organs and tissues using huge magnets, radiofrequency technology, and a computer; it frequently identifies injury or disease in an adjacent ligament or muscle.
scan using a computed tomography (also called a CT or CAT scan). In this procedure, horizontal or axial images of the body—often referred to as slices—are created using X-rays and computer technologies. Any aspect of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs, can be seen in great detail on a CT scan. Compared to regular X-rays, CT scans are more detailed.
Arthroscopy. a combined condition diagnosis and treatment method requiring the least amount of invasiveness possible. An arthroscope—a tiny, lighted optic tube—is inserted into the joint during this procedure through a tiny incision in the joint. In order to evaluate any arthritic or degenerative changes in the joint, to find tumours and diseases of the bone, and to identify the source of bone pain and inflammation, images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen.
bon radionuclide scan. a nuclear imaging procedure that involves injecting a very small amount of radioactive material into the patient's bloodstream in order to be picked up by a scanner. The results of this test reveal both blood flow to the bone and cell activity there.
Therapy For Knee Issues.
The orthopaedist may advise total knee replacement, commonly known as knee replacement, if early treatment options are unsuccessful and X-rays reveal joint degeneration.