Knee: Common Conditions and Treatment Options
The knee is a complex joint consisting of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella) held together by large ligaments. A meniscus (cartilage pad) provides cushioning between the bones and absorbs shock during motion.
The most common injuries to the knee, especially in athletes, are tears or sprains to the ligaments — the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) — as well as damage to the meniscus.
Common Knee Conditions
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Damage
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Damage
- Meniscus Damage
- Tendon Tears
- Knee Osteoarthritis (aka "wear-and-tear arthritis" or"degenerative arthritis")
Common (Non-Surgical) Treatments
- P.R.I.C.E. for Injuries
- Knee Braces
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
- Home Exercise Programs
- Physical Therapy
Common (Surgical) Treatments
- ACL Repair
- Knee Arthroscopy
- ORIF Fracture Repair
- Knee Revisions (Knee Reconstruction Surgery)
- Total Knee Arthroscopy (TKA) — Knee Replacement Surgery