Knee injuries are very common, particularly during sports such as skiing and football. The knee is a complex joint, which relies heavily on its various ligament and cartilage structures for stability.

Most knee injuries are no more than a sprain or a contusion (bruise), and resolve fully within 7 to 10 days. However, if there is significant swelling, inability to bear weight, or loss of movement, then the knee should be assessed acutely, and usually an x-ray performed to exclude a fracture. Other emergency injuries include kneecap dislocation and patellar or quadriceps tendon rupture.

Often, however, patients seek the advice of a specialist when the knee fails to recover as expected with physiotherapy or sports therapy. Symptoms suggestive of internal damage are “locking” (inability to straighten the knee fully, often momentary), swelling, giving way and pain on squatting or kneeling. An MRI scan may be required to aid in diagnosis.

Common injuries include meniscal (cartilage) tear, collateral ligament sprain or rupture, anterior or posteior cruciate ligament (ACL or PCL) rupture, osteochondral lesions, and posterolateral corner (PLC) ruptures. Depending on the exact injury, you may require an arthroscopic (keyhole) procedure, to repair or remove the damaged structure, such as an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction

Some sports injuries arise from “overuse” rather than acute injury (for example patellar or quadriceps tendonitis) or are degenerative in nature (degenerative meniscal tear), and your specialist will be able to help here also.