Articular cartilage lesions are a key concern in orthopaedic surgery because cartilage has an extremely poor capacity to heal. Treatment of these lesions aims to restore an articular surface that matches the biomechanical properties of normal hyaline cartilage and to…
Introduction Our understanding of the role of the meniscus has evolved over many years. Dating back to 1948, Fairbank et al. described changes to the knee joint such as narrowing of the joint space, squaring of the femoral condyle, and ridge…
History of the Meniscus One of the earliest descriptions of the menisci was recorded by Bland-Sutton in 1897. At that time, the menisci were thought to be vestigial tissue and were depicted as “the functionless remnants of intra-articular leg muscles.”…
The synovial lining is a specialized mesenchymal tissue that is integral to the normal functioning of a joint. Synovial disorders can involve varying amounts of the synovium. Rheumatoid arthritis shows total joint involvement, whereas on the other end of the…
Few areas in orthopaedic surgery have grown as rapidly as knee arthroscopy. Arthroscopy often can be performed more quickly and with increased accuracy, lower complication rates, decreased hospitalization time, and shorter recovery periods, compared with many more open operative techniques.…
Background Imaging plays an important role in diagnosing knee joint pathology. There are a variety of imaging techniques that allow visualization of abnormalities that can affect the bones as well as directly visualizing articular cartilage. In addition, after treatment intervention,…
For the experienced practitioner, the history and physical examination remains the most efficient, sensitive, specific, accurate, and cost-effective method of establishing a diagnosis in patients with knee-related complaints. Several investigators have demonstrated that the history and physical examination have equivalent…
Knee Anatomy Superficial Anatomy An understanding of the superficial anatomy is essential to explore the knee in a correct manner ( Fig. 89.1 ). When the knee is viewed from the anterior aspect, the presence of the patella is highlighted.…
Hip arthritis is a common disease. One in four people may develop symptomatic hip osteoarthritis in their lifetime. The treatment of arthritis in the active individual is challenging. The often intuitive recommendation of avoiding pain generating activities and sports seems…
Contusions Contusions are the most common injuries to the hip, thigh, and pelvis. Collisions with other athletes and falls to the ground are the most common causes of contusions. Contusions can be superficial and limited to the subcutaneous tissue, or…