Patient Resources

Knee

Knee Anatomy :: Knee Arthroscopy
ACL Reconstruction :: Patellofemoral Instability :: Meniscus tear
Cartilage Restoration :: Patellar Tendon Ruptures
Multiligament Reconstruction

Normal Anatomy of the Knee Joint

How does the Knee joint work?
Find out more in this web based movie.

Arthroscopy of the Knee Joint

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into a joint. Arthroscopy is a term that comes from two Greek words, arthro-, meaning joint, and -skopein, meaning to examine.

The benefits of arthroscopy involve smaller incisions, faster healing, a more rapid recovery, and less scarring. Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is able to return home on the same day.

Find out more about Knee Arthroscopy from the following links.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL Reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It is a strong rope like structure located in the centre of the knee running from the femur to the tibia. When this ligament tears unfortunately it doesn't heal and often leads to the feeling of instability in the knee.

ACL reconstruction is a commonly performed surgical procedure and with recent advances in arthroscopic surgery can now be performed with minimal incisions and low complication rates.

ACL Reconstruction Hamstring Tendon

ACL Reconstruction Patellar Tendon

Patellofemoral Instability

Patella (knee cap) is a protective bone attached to the quadriceps muscles of the thigh by quadriceps tendon. Patella attaches with the femur bone and forms a patellofemoral joint. Patella is protected by a ligament which secures the kneecap from gliding out and is called as medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL).

Find out more about Patellofemoral Instability with the following links.

Meniscus tear

Meniscal tears are one of the most frequently reported injuries to the knee joint. The meniscus is a C-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure in the knee incompletely covering the surface of the tibia where it articulates with the femur. It consists of the medial meniscus, on the inner part of the knee, and the lateral meniscus on the outer aspect of the knee.

Find out more about Meniscus tear with the following links.

Cartilage Restoration

Articular or hyaline cartilage is the tissue lining the surface of the two bones in the knee joint. Cartilage helps the bones move smoothly against each other and can withstand the weight of the body during activities such as running and jumping. Articular cartilage does not have a direct blood supply to it so has less capacity to repair itself. Once the cartilage is torn it will not heal easily and can lead to degeneration of the articular surface, leading to development of osteoarthritis.

Find out more about Cartilage Restoration with the following links.

Quadriceps/Patellar Tendon Ruptures

Quadriceps tendon is a thick tissue located at the top of the kneecap. The quadriceps tendon works together with the quadriceps muscles to allow us to straighten our leg. The quadriceps muscles are the muscles located in front of the thigh.

Find out more about Quadriceps/Patellar Tendon Tears with the following links.

Multiligament Reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. It is a strong rope like structure located in the centre of the knee running from the femur to the tibia.

Find out more about Multiligament Reconstruction with the following links.

Please use the links below to get more information from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

Broken Bones and Injury

Common Knee Injuries
Hamstring Muscle Strain
Muscle Strains in the Thigh

Fractures

Femur (Thighbone) Fractures in Adults
Femur (Thighbone) Fractures in Children Growth Plate Fractures Proximal Tibia Fractures
Shinbone (Tibia) Fractures
Stress Fractures

Tears and Instability

Kneecap, Unstable
Ligament Injuries of the Knee
Meniscus, Tears of
Posterior Cruciate Ligament, Tears of

Pain Syndromes

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain)
Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)
Shin Splints

Diseases and Syndromes

Bowed Legs
Bursitis of the Knee: Goosefoot (Pes Anserine)
Bursitis of the Knee: Kneecap (Prepatellar)
Limb Length Discrepency
Osteonecrosis of the Knee