The knee joint forms the connecting point of the body’s two largest bones, the femur and tibia, but they do not form a very deep bony socket and, as a result, the knee relies on the ligaments, tendons and muscles surrounding the joint for stability and range of movement.
The knee is required to be a shock absorber when we land and jump, allow twisting the leg in sudden changes of direction and help propel the body forward, so it is often injured during a whole range of sports and the knee is the most common injury site in adolescent athletes.
The knee is a large, complex joint that is one of the most commonly injured – particularly in athletes. Incorporating adequate stretching and warm-up exercises and engaging in proper technique can help minimise knee sporting injuries but seeking early diagnosis and treatment of any knee concerns is also essential.
Depending on the extent of the injury and the level of sport that you wish to return to, non-operative measures may effectively reduce discomfort and improve the function of the knee joint so you can get back to playing the sport you love. For many patients, though, surgical intervention may be required.
Mr David Houlihan-Burne works with athletes of all ages and abilities. He works closely with a team of physiotherapists, strength and conditioning trainers, nutritionists and sport biomechanists to develop programmes designed to return you to play after a knee injury.
+ Ligament tears
The ligaments supporting the knee are essential for stabilising the joint. However, over-extending the knee, abrupt twisting movements or sudden changes in direction can result in a partial or complete tear. The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is the most likely to tear. Tears to the ACL will typically fail to heal on their own. Depending on the degree of the tear and your activity levels prior to injury, you may not need surgery – physio and strengthening exercises may be able to deliver enough stability and function. Mr David Houlihan-Burne can advise you whether non-operative measures will be appropriate or whether surgical ACL repair is required.
+ Meniscus tears
Meniscus tears occur frequently during sports where jumping or pivoting is involved, such as netball or football. Sometimes, the meniscus also tears after wearing out over time.
+ Dislocations
A dislocation of the knee is when the knee bones are forced out of their position, typically when there is a fall or collision. The knee will sometimes correct itself, but if it doesn’t then you may need intervention to force the knee bones back into place.
+ Tendon tears
The quadriceps and patellar tendons can be torn – either as a result of sudden injury or due to wear and tear over time. Falling with direct force to the knee or landing awkwardly from a jump are common causes of injuries to the knee tendons.
17 Fitzhardinge Street
Marylebone
London
W1H 6EQ
Rickmansworth Rd
Northwood
Middx
HA6 2JW
BMI The Chiltern Hospital
London Road
Great Missenden
HP16 0EN
One Medical House
Boundary Way
Hemel Hempstead Industrial Estate
Hemel Hempstead
HP2 7YU
