Most common knee injuries & their treatments - Knee Clinic Manchester
                     Most Common Knee 
Injuries & Their Treatments
Introduction 
The human knee is the largest joint in the body. It is 
composed of the Tibia, Femur and Patella bones; the 
joint surfaces of which are covered in cartilage which 
allows smooth movement and gliding of the joint 
surfaces. There are multiple structures around the 
knee which hold the bones in place and allow the 
movement to occur and due to the significant forces 
generated, the knee is very prone to injury.
The Structures At Risk Of Injury
• Ligaments – ACL / PCL / MCL / LCL 
•  Meniscus 
•  Patella 
• Cartilage
Ligaments – ACL / PCL / MCL / LCL 
ACL Injuries
ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament.  The anterior cruciate ligament is 
one of a pair of cruciate ligaments in the centre of the human knee.  These 
two ligaments form part of a complex ligamentous structure which provides 
stability to the human knee.  The ACL is a relatively short ligament with two 
bundles and connects the top of the tibia to the end of the femur within the 
knee joint.  Its main function is to provide stability to the knee mainly 
stopping the tibia from translating too far anteriorly.  The ACL provides 
around 85% of the restraining force to this anterior tibial displacement. The 
ACL is the most injured ligament of the four located in the knee.
Ligament Injuries (Non ACL)
Aside from the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), there are a 
number of other ligaments in the knee that can be injured 
including posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial 
collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament 
(LCL).
Meniscal Injury
The meniscus is a form of cartilage which is C-shaped and triangular in cross section 
and sits in between the femur and the tibia on the medial and lateral sides of the knee.  
There are two menisci in the knee which differ slightly in their shape and biomechanics.
The main function is to protect the femur and tibial cartilage joint surfaces from the 
incredible amount of force and load that passes through the knee joint on a daily basis 
from walking to intense exercise.  
The meniscus is attached to the top of the tibia via the anterior and posterior horns and 
through the capsular attachments circumferentially around the knee.  It is through the 
capsule that the meniscus receives a little blood supply to its periphery.  The outer one 
third of the meniscus has blood flow going through it but the inner two thirds of the 
meniscus is avascular and has no blood flow.  
Patellofemoral Instability
The patellofemoral joint is a very complex joint consisting of two 
bones at the front of the knee. The two bones are the patella 
(kneecap) and the front of the distal femur (thigh bone just deep to 
the kneecap.)
The patella joins with the front of the femur in the area called the 
trochlea. This joint is made up of complex interplay of muscles, 
tendons, ligaments and boney anatomy. Problems with any of these 
can cause pain and instability around the patellofemoral joint.
Cartilage Injury
This is a painful condition, where a small area of cartilage is 
damaged in an otherwise healthy knee. If left untreated, this 
can cause the surrounding cartilage to degrade and turn into 
full-blown Osteoarthritis.
Unfortunately, the cartilage can be damaged from trauma or 
other pathologies like Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD); this 
results in a painful lesion which if left untreated can progress to 
early joint degeneration and osteoarthritis.
What Is The Most Common Knee Injury In 
Sports?
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture is the most prevalent knee 
ligament injury, comprising 90% of all cases. Around 15,000 ACL 
reconstruction surgeries are performed annually in the UK, and 
approximately 400,000 in the USA. The ACL, situated in the middle of the 
knee, stabilizes it throughout its range of motion. Female athletes face a 
higher risk, with a ratio of 4:1 compared to males, due to different landing 
biomechanics and neuromuscular activation. Non-contact pivoting injuries 
are the most common cause, often occurring in sports like football, 
basketball, and skiing. ACL injuries are frequently accompanied by damage 
to other knee structures, such as the meniscus and ligaments, in 60-70% of 
cases.
How Do I Know If My Knee Injury Is 
Serious?
A significant "pop" sensation often accompanies an ACL 
rupture, followed by rapid swelling within the knee joint due 
to bleeding. This immediate swelling indicates a serious 
injury. In such cases, individuals may find it challenging to 
bear weight on the affected knee and experience a 
noticeable decrease in knee mobility, rendering movement 
difficult or impossible. These symptoms underscore the 
severity of the knee injury and warrant prompt medical 
attention.
Get The Best Treatment For Your Knee 
Injuries At The Knee Clinic Manchester.
• In the immediate post injury phase, we would advise icing the knee asap 
and attending a hospital 
or specialist clinic like The Knee Clinic Manchester, for assessment.
• In the current climate, waiting times in Accident and Emergency can be 
extremely frustrating. We are specialists in assessing and managing these 
injuries and have the highest quality team approach to get you moving 
and back on your feet asap.
• The assessment involves an X-ray to exclude fracture and then an MRI 
scan. A brace can be fitted to help support the knee during the first 2-6 
weeks and get it moving, and start rehabilitation.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Numerous knee injuries respond well to straightforward treatments, 
including: 
•  Immobilization: Your physician might suggest a brace to stabilize your 
knee or a cast to support bone healing. Crutches may also be provided to 
alleviate weight-bearing on the injured leg, promoting protection. 
•  Physical therapy: Tailored exercises aid in knee function restoration and 
bolster the surrounding leg muscles for enhanced support. 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like 
ibuprofen and naproxen effectively alleviate pain and swelling, facilitating 
the healing process.
Surgical Treatment
Many fractures and injuries around the knee require surgery to fully restore function to 
your leg.
In some cases — such as for many ACL tears — surgery can be done arthroscopically 
using miniature instruments and small incisions. Learn more: Knee Arthroscopy
Fractures, on the other hand, often require open surgery with a larger incision that 
provides your surgeon with a more direct view and easier access to the injured structures.
SOURCE: Department of Research & Scientific Affairs, American Academy of Orthopaedic 
Surgeons. Rosemont, IL: AAOS; February 2014. Based on data from the National 
Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 2010; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Get in touch for more details or if you want to discuss ACL reconstruction surgery.