The Athlete’s Knee 
Presentation by:
John R. (Trey) Green, III, MD 
University of Washington 
Sports Medicine Clinic  
206-543-1552
Anterior Knee Anatomy 
* Superficial fascia
* Quadriceps muscle group
* Patella
* Synovium / plicae
* Bursae
Anterior Knee Anatomy 
* Quadriceps muscle group
o Rectus femoris
o Vastus medialis
o Vastus lateralis
o Vastus intermedius
Quadriceps Muscle Group 
* Vastus medialis
o Larger, and more distal insertion than vastus lateralis
o Oblique distal fibers (VMO)
Patella Articular Surface 
* Thickest articular cartilage in the body (5mm)
* 25% non articular (inferior pole)
Anterior Knee Anatomy 
* Bursae
o Occur to assist tissue gliding
o Variable location
Patellofemoral Biomechanics 
* Patella function
o Act as a fulcrum to increase the lever arm of the quadriceps muscle
Resultant Force on the Patella 
* Compression
* 2-3 x body weight
* Maximum force at 70-80 degrees of flexion
Q Angle 
* Angle between the quadriceps tendon and patella tendon in full extension
Anterior Knee Pain History 
* Pain
* Instability
* Catching
* Crepitation
* Weakness
* Swelling
Physical Examination 
* Gait
Physical Examination 
* Limb length
Physical Examination 
* Compartment assessment (crepitation)
* Observation
Effusion
Prepatellar Bursal Fluid
* Range of Motion (ROM)
* Anterior knee
* Patellar position
* Patellar tracking
* Muscle tone/bulk
* Thigh circumference
* Sitting
* Lying
* Hip abductor strength
* Prone quadriceps tightness
Radiologic Examination 
Rosenberg View
Merchant View
Measuring Merchant’sView 
Anterior Knee Pain Treatment 
* Rehab with therapist
Anterior Knee Pain Treatment 
* Refer to Orthopaedist
Assessment of Meniscus, Ligament and Articular Cartilage Injuries 
* Most require orthopaedic consultation
History 
Pain Location
Meniscus Tears 
* Meniscus tears are common
* Rapid flexion with rotation is most common mechanism
* A history of mechanical symptoms and joint line pain and tenderness suggests meniscal tear
Meniscus Tear Types
Meniscus Tears 
* Arthroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment
* Basic principles of meniscus surgery are:
o Conserve meniscal tissue
o Remove abnormal tissue
o Prevent further tear propagation
o Repair when possible
Articular Cartilage Injury 
* Limited intrinsic repair capability
* Likely to eventually progress to arthrosis
* History of pain with recurrent effusions may indicate cartilage lesion
Articular CartilageTreatment Options 
Medial Collateral Ligament 
Beware Co-existing ACL or PCL Injury 
Lateral Sided Ligament Injury 
ACL Tear 
PCL Tears 
Knee Physical Exam
Physical Examination 
Collateral Ligament Testing
  
The Athlete’s Knee.ppt
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