BANDVERLETZUNGEN DES KNIEGELENKES

Abstract

Particular danger of injury to the knee exists in many sports activities. This is brought about by the nature of movements encountered in particular sports, high demands imposed by technical factors such as the composition of the floor surface, the nature of shoes or of sports apparatus, and not infrequently by excessive physical activity or unfair conditions in sport. The knee is however particularly liable to injury as a result of its anatomical structure. Flexion and extension between the femur and tibia is possible but at the same time rotatory movement is possible when the knee is flexed. It is not therefore simply a hinge joint. The femoral condyles are not circularly curved but are spiral in form. In standing, the less curved portion of the condyles rests on the tibia, so that the greatest possible surface is used for the transfer of pressure. The discrepancy in apposition of the joint surfaces which exists in many joint attitudes is compensated for by the menisci. Functional maintenance of the joint is obtained through the common participation of the muscular system, the joint capsule, and the cruciate and lateral ligaments. It is only the concerted action of these factors which produces optimum joint function under conditions of great physical stress on the joint. Details of the possible ways in which the knee joint can be injured are given and treatment is discussed.