Sprains, fractures and dislocations.

Injury of ligaments and meniscus in the knee.

Three bones meet to form the knee joint: the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella). Bones are connected to other bones by 4 ligaments. The meniscus are two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage that act to help cushion the joint and keep it stable during the motion between the thighbone and shinbone.

When the anterior cruciate ligament is injured, about half of all injuries occur along with damage to other structures in the knee, such as articular cartilage, meniscus, or other ligaments. Injured ligaments are considered “sprains”.

The anterior cruciate ligament can be injured by:

•         Changing direction rapidly
•         Stopping suddenly or slowing down while running
•         Landing from a jump incorrectly
•         Direct contact or collision

This injury is common among high-impact athletes.

Meniscal injury or tears

In the case of meniscus tears, athletes are also predisposed to suffer them and often accompany other injuries to structures of the knee. Direct trauma to the knee, kneeling, deep squatting and twist the knee can cause a meniscus tear.

Older people are more likely to have degenerative meniscus tears.

Cartilage weakens and wears thin over time. Aged, worn tissue is more prone to tears. Just an awkward twist when getting up from a chair may be enough to cause a tear, if the meniscus has weakened with age.