The knee is the largest joint in the human body, and the one that we use the most. It contains many components - bone, muscle, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons - that work in concert to keep this part of the leg functioning. When this delicate system is thrown off, it can cause major pain and long-term mobility problems. Unfortunately, these maladies often require the intervention of a knee surgeon. Common injuries to know about are ACL tears, arthritis, and tendonitis. ACL Injuries The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most crucial parts of your knee. It stabalizes the joint, preventing it from hyperextension. THe ACL is injured, and often torn, when it's stretched beyond its limit. It often happens in athletic scenarios, such as when a basketball player lands "funny" after a layup. ACL injuries are diagnosed with something called a Lachman Test, in which a patient bends the joint slightly as a physician monitors ACL movement with a thumb. If the ligament hurts enough to interfere with daily mobility, the patient will have to see a knee surgeon. In surgery, the ACL is reconstructed with a graft. Rehabilitation is often exhausting, and takes about 6 months. Arthritis Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint or area where two bones meet. Knees are especially prone to this condition. When it occurs, arthritis can be linked to a combination of factors - overuse, heredity, obesity, and aging, among others. Cartilage between bones begins to break down, thus forcing the bones to rub against each other as you walk. This causes fatigue and pain. Arthritis is incurable, but physicians recommend specific exercise regimens, joint braces, and in some cases steroids to combat it. However, a knee surgeon may need to perform one of three types of surgery in extreme cases. Arthroscopic procedures remove damaged parts of the knee. Osteotomy reshapes certain bones to bring the joint back to higher function. Finally, anthroplasty replaces the old joint with an artificial one. Tendonitis Tendonitis in the body's biggest joint is often called "jumper's knee," because it commonly occurs in active people or athletes who leap and land regularly. It's an inflammation of the tendon, often caused by very small microtears that form after overuse. The microtears multiply too fast for the body's ability to heal them, so if you don't cease the strenuous activity, you'll risk serious injury. Most tendonitis cases can be healed with the good old RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. But extreme cases can force you to pay a visit to the knee surgeon - this is usually if the problem has been causing pain for over 6 months. Currently, physicians are researching the role of abnormal blood vessel growth in sustaining or worsening tendonitis. Diet and exercise, as well as healthy workout habits, can prevent major joint damage and long-term problems. But, as with anything, life happens: you might find yourself with one of the delicate conditions that will have you on the operating table with a knee surgeon hunched over you.
