Cause: Twists in the knee joint causing the thigh bone and shin bone to collide can cause damage to the cartilage in the knee. In some cases a piece of cartilage can be shed which can wander in the joint (joint-mouse) and become jammed. The synovial membrane can become inflamed, and increase the production of synovial fluid. In other cases, and for unknown reasons, a piece of bone in the knee can loosen (osteochondritis dissicans). Symptoms: Pain in the joint when under load or strain. Often, periodic swelling of the joint (synovitis). Examination: Normal medical examination is often not sufficient. To make the diagnosis correctly it is therefore necessary to perform an arthroscopic examination (telescopic examination of the joint), (Photo) or an MR-scan (article-1) (article-2) (article-3). Ultrasound scanning will be able to reveal many, but not all, cartilage damage (Ultrasonic image), which is why an MR-scan is recommended. Treatment: It is important to make the diagnosis very early if a piece of bone has become loose (osteochondritis dissicans), as the sooner treatment begins, the better the result achieved (article). Treatment can comprise relief or surgery dependant upon the extent of the condition, and whether a piece of bone has possibly become loose (article-1) (article-2). For cartilage damage caused by a twist, the treatment comprises relief from the painful activities until the pain is no longer experienced, after which gradual re-training can be commenced. There is no treatment that can restore the damaged cartilage, which has itself poor restorative ability. Different procedures to enhance the healing can be attempted using arthroscopy, however, the results are generally unsatisfactory. Results from experimental cartilage transplants are still not successful enough to warrant introduction as a routine treatment in the near future. Joint-mouse that provokes the symptoms must be surgically removed. Injection of corticosteroid in the knee joint, performed under ultrasound guidance, can be attempted to combat prolonged and pronounced cases of fluid accumulation in the knee joint (synovitis). Rehabilitation of children and adolescents: Rehabilitation is completely dependent upon the type of cartilage damage (size and position in the joint) and treatment (conservative or surgical). It is generally attempted to strengthen the musculature around the knee joint. Complications: Large cartilage damage which is positioned on the weight-bearing parts of the joint represents one of the most serious sports injuries, and often results in an end to the sporting career. Special: As there is a risk that the injury can cause permanent disability, all cases should be reported to your insurance company. |
