This list gives an idea of the relative urgency of different knee 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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