Transcript Anatomy of the Knee

The Knee:
Anatomy & injury prevention
RENEE CHAMBERS
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES
Why to be concerned as an
athlete
-
You use your knees for everything!
-
Too common
-
you can injure yourself anytime
-
Better understanding = better injury prevention
-
The knee is a complex joint
What do you think the most
common cause of knee injuries?
Sports,
exercise
Leisure,
hobby
Working
Household
Passenger
chores
walking
Bone structure of the knee
-Femur
-tibia
-fibula
-patella
Need to know terms

Meniscus- disc-shaped pieces of cartilage

Ligament- connects bone to bone

Tendon- connects muscle to bone

Articular cartilage- cartilage between bones
Have you ever had a knee
injury?
Do you know someone who has?
Common injuries
ACL
tear
Meniscus tear
“Unhappy triad”
ACL Tear
Femur

Recovery time ≈ 6 months

Causes/ predispositions:


Getting hit from behind

Stopping too short

Going down steps too quickly

Being female
ACL
Recovery:

Surgery

Physical therapy
Tibia
Meniscus Tear

Recovery time varies on severity

Causes:


Improper landing technique

Excessive torsion stress
Recovery

Discontinuing activity

Surgery

Physical Therapy
Lateral Meniscus
Medial Meniscus
Types of meniscus tears
“Unhappy Triad”

Recovery time ≈ 6 months

More pain associated with this injury

Result of Tearing the ACL, MCL, and Medial meniscus
How can I prevent injuries?
Safe Playing Habits
While participating in a sport/recreational activity:
-
Remember to tackle ABOVE the knee
-
If injury is suspected: STOP PLAYING
-
Avoid the, “Hey guys, watch this!” phenomenon
Stretching

Indirectly related to previous structures

Avoids overcompensation

Better flexibility= safer muscles
Awareness
Simple awareness can play the largest key in prevention:
Ask yourself:

Did it hurt last time?

Is this safe?

Is the landing area reliable?
Proper footwear

Can make or break an athlete

What to take into consideration:

Terrain

Cleats vs. spikes vs. sneakers vs. turf shoes vs spinning shoes vs etc.

Are you an under-pronator or over pronator?
Under Vs. Over
Pronator
Take away Message

Some injuries ARE 100% preventable

Some injuries are inevitable

Follow protocols on recovery

Be smart, safe, and HAVE FUN!