Common Knee Conditions Managed by an Orthopaedic Surgeon

Orthopaedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including the knee. Here are some of the most common knee conditions they manage:

1. Osteoarthritis

- Description: A degenerative joint disease where the cartilage in the knee wears down over time.

- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

-Management: Medications, physical therapy, injections (corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid), and possibly knee replacement surgery.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

- Description: An autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the knee joint.

- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.

-Management: Medications (anti-inflammatory drugs, DMARDs), physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.

3. Meniscal Tears

- Description: Tears in the meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. I call them the shock absorbers of the knee.

- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, locking, and difficulty moving the knee.

- Management: Rest, ice, physical therapy, and possibly arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove the torn meniscus.

4. Ligament Injuries

- Types: Includes anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries, medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries, and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries.

- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty walking.

- Management: Bracing, physical therapy, and in many cases, surgical reconstruction.

5. Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee)

- Description: Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone.

- Symptoms: Pain and tenderness around the kneecap, especially during physical activity.

- Management: Rest, ice, physical therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention if conservative treatments fail.

6. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)

- Description: Pain around the front of the knee and kneecap, often due to overuse or misalignment.

- Symptoms: Pain when sitting, climbing stairs, or performing activities that involve bending the knee.

-Management: Rest, physical therapy, bracing, and corrective exercises.

7. Bursitis

- Description: Inflammation of the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint.

- Symptoms: Swelling, warmth, pain, and tenderness.

- Management: Rest, ice, medications, aspiration (draining excess fluid), and corticosteroid injections.

8. Fractures

- Types: Includes fractures of the patella (kneecap), distal femur, and proximal tibia.

- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, inability to move the knee, and deformity.

- Management: Immobilisation with a cast or brace, physical therapy, and surgery to realign and stabilise the broken bones.

9. Tendinitis

- Description: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee.

- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and tenderness.

- Management: Rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.

10. Baker's Cyst

- Description: A fluid-filled cyst behind the knee, often associated with other knee problems like arthritis or meniscal tears.

- Symptoms: Swelling behind the knee, stiffness, and pain.

- Management: Treating the underlying condition, draining the cyst, and in some cases, surgical removal.

Orthopaedic surgeons employ a range of treatments from conservative management, such as medications and physical therapy, to surgical interventions depending on the severity and nature of the knee condition.

**Disclaimer:**

This information is provided for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and treatment plans.