Extensor mechanism injuries of the knee

Abstract

Injuries to the knee extensor mechanism frequently present to the emergency department as a result of acute traumatic as well as overuse injuries of the knee. These injuries can be devastating to the patient in that the outcome at times depends upon the initial correct diagnosis being made in a timely manner and appropriate surgical treatment being rendered when appropriately indicated. Patellar dislocations, quadriceps ruptures, subluxations of the patella, and patellar fractures are fairly common to the knee extensor mechanism. Overuse injuries such as patellar tendinitis, Osgood-Schlatter disease, and jumper's knee are also frequently seen in the emergency department as acute presentations after sporting events, particularly in the adolescent population. A well-done history and physical examination, coupled with proper radiographs, can make the diagnosis of these disorders fairly simple and enable their treatment to be initiated in a timely manner. © 1995 Aspen Publishers, Inc.