The knee joint is made up of three bones: the femur, tibia, and patella. The ends of the tibia and femur are covered with a thin cartilage allowing a smooth joint surface and reduced friction during movement. Additionally, there are two C-shaped menisci in the knee that serve to absorb shock and evenly distribute forces across the knee. Finally, various ligaments, tendons, and muscles provide support and stability.
- Acute trauma
- Most common mechanism of injury is sudden rotation with bent knee
- Chronic load
- Repetitive overload
- Pronation
- Degenerative joint disease
Symptoms:
- Knee pain/swelling
- Locking, popping, clicking in the knee
- Decreased range of motion
- Weakness/instability in the knee
Diagnosis:
- History
- Orthopedic exam
- MRI – most sensitive
Treatment:
The outer 1/3 of the meniscus has a blood supply (red zone) and a tear in this area may heal on its own. The inner 2/3 of the meniscus lacks a blood supply (white zone) and typically does not heal without surgery.
- Non-surgical
- Rest, ice, elevation, NSAIDs to control inflammation and reduce pain
- Physical rehabilitation to include knee stability exercises
- Assessment of foot pronation and fitting of orthotics, if necessary
- Surgical – arthroscopic
- Partial/total meniscus removal
- Bone marrow derived stem cell injection
Active Performance Chiropractic focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic-related injuries. Treatment is a unique blend of Active Release Techniques, traditional chiropractic therapy, and physical rehabilitation designed to match each patient’s goals and lifestyle.
