Knee basics - urgency

 

This gives an idea of the urgency of problems:

Relatively trivial

  • graze
  • collateral ligament sprain
  •  

    Moderately problematic

  • meniscal ('cartilages') tear
  • incomplete collateral ligament tear
  • Baker's cyst
  • symptomatic maltracking
  • plica with 'catching'
  • haemarthrosis (bleed within knee joint)
  •  

    Not so serious - but surgery urgent

  • locked knee
  • tear of quadriceps muscle
  •  

    Moderately serious - but not urgent. Seek specialist advice.

  • incomplete cruciate ligament tear
  • complete collateral ligament tear
  • patellar subluxation
  •  

    Serious - but surgery not urgent. Expect major rehab issues. Important to get the best surgeon you can when you are referred for surgery.

  • fractures (bone breaks) - patella, tibial plateau - undisplaced
  • complete cruciate ligament tear
  • cruciate ligament avulsion
  • patellar dislocation
  •  

    Serious - surgery urgent. Expect later problems.

  • tibial plateau fracture (break) if the
    fragments are displaced
  • fractured patella if the fragments are displaced
  • penetrating injuries of knee
  • total dislocation of the knee
  •  


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