COTSWOLD CLINICS Acute Knee Injuries
Knee Pain
Knee Replacement
Revision Knee Surgery
|
Causes of knee pain and instabilityPain in the knee can arise from mechanical trauma, acute overuse, inflammation or long term degeneration, of any of the tissues that make up the knee joint. The tissues react by swelling up, producing excess joint fluid, and stimulating the pain receptors in the knee.Instability suggests ligament rupture, loose material (meniscal tear, ossific loose body) or damage to the bearing surfaces. Abnormal movement causes irritation of the soft tissues and often fluid in the joint. Diagnosis of knee problemsThe commonest causes of knee pain can be diagnosed with nothing more than a good interview, physical examination and simple x-rays. Where there is uncertainty about the underlying diagnosis then an MRI scan is useful. Please do not spend your money on an MRI scan before having simple x-rays and a discussion of what these inexpensive tests reveal.Direct insepction of the inside of the knee, arthroscopy, should be rare these days. With x-rays and scans a good pre-operative diagnosis should be possible. This allows a detailed discussion of the "Risk vs. Benefit" before any operation. Occasionally the pre-operative diagnosis may underestimate the progression of wear in the knee, this possibility should be discussed beforehand. Treatment of knee problemsCare of patients with knee replacements |
||
|