Background The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the two strong cords that stabilise the interior of the knee. The ACL stops the tibia moving forwards on the femur and also preventing some twisting movements of the knee. Injury classically happens when the knee is twisted suddenly when changing direction. Symptoms and Signs People … Continue reading Ligament

Background The meniscus is a ‘C’ shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the femur and the tibia. It has numerous roles but it is easy to think of it as a large shock-absorber that protects the knee. It cushions specifically the smooth gliding surface of the knee – the articular cartilage. There are two … Continue reading Meniscus

Background   The ends of the bones are coated in a smooth, white lining called cartilage. This structure is highly specialised and creates an almost frictionless surface for the knee surfaces to glide against. Any injury to this smooth gliding surface alters these properties and will cause symptoms within the knee. Injuries to the cartilage … Continue reading Cartilage

Background The knee cap (patella) is one of the three separate joints that make up the knee. The function of the knee cap is to make the pull of the muscles at the front of your thigh (quadriceps) more efficient. The patella is held in place by ligaments and muscles when your knee is fully … Continue reading Patella

Knee ‘osteoarthritis’ is a term for ‘wear and tear’ in the knee. This osteoarthritis is caused when the lining of the knee (articular cartilage) becomes thinner, fragments and wears away. You will be at a higher risk of developing arthritis if you have had a previous injury to your knee, particularly if you have injured … Continue reading Arthritis

I have injured my knee, what next? We have recently done undertaken research that is ongoing in this area and are currently trying to promote the diagnosis of knee injuries amongst health care colleagues. A frustrating, recurring theme is the multitude of knee injuries that do seek out help initially only to be told that … Continue reading Sports