BBC Science & Nature - Human Body and Mind - Skeleton Layer Thighbone: Is the longest, largest, strongest bone in your body Kneecap: Is embedded in your quadriceps muscle Long and strong Your leg bones are the longest and strongest bones in your body. When you stand or walk, all the weight of your upper body rests on them. Each leg is made up of four bones. The three long bones are your femur, your tibia and your fibula. The fourth bone is your small patella, which is better known as the kneecap. Your femur, or thighbone, is the largest bone in your body. The head of your femur fits into your hip socket and the bottom end connects to your knee. The two bones beneath your knee that make up your shin are your tibia and fibula. Your upper and lower leg are connected by a hinge joint. Your patella, or kneecap, rests on the front of your femur. The bones of your leg have roughened patches on their surfaces where muscles are attached. When your muscles contract, they pull the bone they're attached to, making your leg move. Patella Bone Anatomy, Definition & Function | Body Maps Your message has been sent.

OK We're sorry, an error occurred. We are unable to collect your feedback at this time. However, your feedback is important to us. Please try again later. Close Patella The patella is commonly referred to as the kneecap. It is a small, freestanding, bone that rests between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). The femur has a dedicated groove along which the kneecap slides. As a form of protection, both bones also contain cartilage — strong, flexible tissue — in the areas near the patella. The kneecap plays a vital role in how the knee bends, in addition to most motions that require movement of the leg. If the patella or the tendon associated with it becomes injured, a person will experience difficulty walking, running, standing, or engaging in athletic activity. If dislocated, the kneecap can no longer slide along the thighbone's grooves, which can aggravate and damage cartilage on both the femur and the tibia. Dislocation and other traumatic injuries are common among athletes and other people who are extremely physically active. Injuries tend to be more pronounced in high impact sports.

For example, patella-related injuries are common in sports like football, mixed martial arts, and wrestling. Meniscus Tears-OrthoInfo - AAOS Copyright 2014 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Meniscus Tears Information on meniscus tears is also available in Spanish: Desgarros de los meniscus Desgarros de los meniscus (topic.cfm?topic=A00470) and Portuguese: Rupturas do menisco Rupturas do menisco (topic.cfm?topic=A00754). Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries. Athletes, particularly those who play contact sports, are at risk for meniscus tears. However, anyone at any age can tear a meniscus. When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus. Anatomy Normal knee anatomy Three bones meet to form your knee joint: your thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella). Two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage act as "shock absorbers" between your thighbone and shinbone. These are called meniscus.

They are tough and rubbery to help cushion the joint and keep it stable. Top of page Description Menisci tear in different ways. Tears are noted by how they look, as well as where the tear occurs in the meniscus. Common tears include bucket handle, flap, and radial. Sports-related meniscus tears often occur along with other knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament tears. (Left) Bucket handle tear. (Right) Flap tear. (Left) Radial tear. (Right) Degenerative tear. Top of page Cause Sudden meniscus tears often happen during sports. Players may squat and twist the knee, causing a tear. Direct contact, like a tackle, is sometimes involved. 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 menisci have weakened with age. Top of page Symptoms You might feel a "pop" when you tear a meniscus. Most people can still walk on their injured knee. Many athletes keep playing with a tear.

Over 2 to 3 days, your knee will gradually become more stiff and swollen. The most common symptoms of meniscus tear are: Pain Catching or locking of your knee The sensation of your knee "giving way" You are not able to move your knee through its full range of motion Without treatment, a piece of meniscus may come loose and drift into the joint. This can cause your knee to slip, pop, or lock. Doctor Examination Physical Examination and Patient History After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will examine your knee. He or she will check for tenderness along the joint line where the meniscus sits. This often signals a tear. One of the main tests for meniscus tears is the McMurray test. Your doctor will bend your knee, then straighten and rotate it. This puts tension on a torn meniscus. If you have a meniscus tear, this movement will cause a clicking sound. Your knee will click each time your doctor does the test. Imaging Tests Because other knee problems cause similar symptoms, your doctor may order imaging tests to help confirm the diagnosis. X-rays.

Although x-rays do not show meniscus tears, they may show other causes of knee pain, such as osteoarthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study can create better images of the soft tissues of your knee joint, like a meniscus. Top of page Treatment How your orthopaedic surgeon treats your tear will depend on the type of tear you have, its size, and location. The outside one-third of the meniscus has a rich blood supply. A tear in this "red" zone may heal on its own, or can often be repaired with surgery. A longitudinal tear is an example of this kind of tear. In contrast, the inner two-thirds of the meniscus lacks a blood supply. Without nutrients from blood, tears in this "white" zone cannot heal. These complex tears are often in thin, worn cartilage. Because the pieces cannot grow back together, tears in this zone are usually surgically trimmed away. Along with the type of tear you have, your age, activity level, and any related injuries will factor into your treatment plan. Nonsurgical Treatment If your tear is small and on the outer edge of the meniscus, it may not require surgical repair.

As long as your symptoms do not persist and your knee is stable, nonsurgical treatment may be all you need. RICE. The RICE protocol is effective for most sports-related injuries. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest. Take a break from the activity that caused the injury. Your doctor may recommend that you use crutches to avoid putting weight on your leg. Ice. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Compression. To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage. Elevation. To reduce swelling, recline when you rest, and put your leg up higher than your heart. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling. Surgical Treatment If your symptoms persist with nonsurgical treatment, your doctor may suggest arthroscopic surgery. Procedure. Knee arthroscopy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. In it, a miniature camera is inserted through a small incision (portal). This provides a clear view of the inside of the knee.

Your orthopaedic surgeon inserts miniature surgical instruments through other portals to trim or repair the tear. Knee arthroscopy A camera and instruments inserted through portals in a knee. Partial meniscectomy. In this procedure, the damaged meniscus tissue is trimmed away. Close-up of partial meniscectomy Meniscus repair. Some meniscus tears can be repaired by suturing (stitching) the torn pieces together. Whether a tear can be successfully treated with repair depends upon the type of tear, as well as the overall condition of the injured meniscus. Because the meniscus must heal back together, recovery time for a repair is much longer than from a meniscectomy. A torn meniscus repaired with sutures Rehabilitation. After surgery, your doctor may put your knee in a cast or brace to keep it from moving. If you have had a meniscus repair procedure, you will need to use crutches for about a month to keep weight off of your knee. Once the initial healing is complete, your doctor will prescribe rehabilitation exercises. Regular exercise to restore your knee mobility and strength is necessary. You will start with exercises to improve your range of motion.

Strengthening exercises will gradually be added to your rehabilitation plan. For the most part, rehabilitation can be carried out at home, although your doctor may recommend physical therapy. Rehabilitation time for a meniscus repair is about 3 months. A meniscectomy requires less time for healing — approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Top of page Recovery Meniscus tears are extremely common knee injuries. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, patients often return to their pre-injury abilities. If you found this article helpful, you may also be interested in Meniscus Tears Meniscus Tears (topic.cfm?topic=AV0012). Last reviewed: March 2014 Co-developed by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS "Find an Orthopaedist" program on this website.

Copyright 2014 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Related Articles Knee Ligament Injuries: ACL, PCL, and More A feeling of looseness in the joint Inability to put weight on the point without pain Continued If they're not treated at the time, ACL injuries and other types of ligament injuries may act up months or years later. They can make your knee give out when you twist or pivot. To diagnose an ACL or other ligament injury, your doctor will give you a thorough exam. If your knee is swollen with blood , your doctor may use a needle to drain it. You may need X-rays, MRI ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging ) scans, or other tests. What's the Treatment for a Knee Ligament Injury? Happily, a mild to moderate knee ligament injury may heal on its own given time. To speed the healing, you can: Rest the knee. Avoid putting excess weight on your knee if it's painful to do so. You may need to use crutches for a time. Ice your knee to reduce pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days, or until the pain and swelling is gone.

Compress your knee. Use an elastic bandage, straps, or sleeves on your knee to control swelling. Elevate your knee on a pillow when you're sitting or lying down. Wear a knee brace to stabilize the knee and protect it from further injury. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), like Advil , Aleve , or Motrin , will help with pain and swelling. However, these drugs can have side effects and they should be used only occasionally, unless your doctor specifically says otherwise. Practice stretching and strengthening exercises if your doctor recommends them. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce stress to the knee if performed in a pain-free manner. Ask your doctor to recommend a physical therapist for guidance. Fortunately, most collateral ligament tears do not require surgery. However certain tears as well as secondary concerns may benefit from surgery. Unfortunately, the cruciate ligaments -- ACL and PCL -- cannot be repaired. Once they are completely torn or stretched beyond their limits, that's it. The only option is a reconstruction. In this procedure, tendons are taken from other parts of your leg or a cadaver to replace the torn ligament.

Continued A ligament reconstruction for an ACL or PCL injury is complicated and involved. It's not the right choice for everyone. Some people who have pain or severe instability in their knees may choose to have it. So might professional athletes -- or devoted amateurs -- who really want to return to their previous level of activity. But if the pain is not a problem, you may choose to skip the surgery and accept the risk of some permanent instability in your leg. You may also opt for a custom-made brace. Talk over the treatment options with your doctor. When Will I Feel Better After a Knee Ligament Injury? Recovery time depends on how severe your knee ligament injury is. People also heal at different rates. In most cases, physical therapy can help after surgery to minimize complications and speed recovery. While you recover -- If your medical team agrees -- you could take up a new activity that won't hurt your knee. For instance, runners could try swimming . Whatever you do, don't rush things. Don't try to return to your old level of physical activity until: You can fully bend and straighten your knee without pain. You feel no pain in your knee when you walk, jog, sprint, or jump. Your knee is no longer swollen.

Your injured knee is as strong as your uninjured knee. If you start using your knee before it's healed, you could cause permanent damage. How Can I Prevent a Knee Ligament Injury? Knee ligament injuries are hard to prevent since they're usually the result of an accident. But taking some precautions might lower your risks. You should: Keep your thigh muscles strong with regular stretching and strengthening. Warm up with light activities before taking part in more aggressive activities. Maintain flexibility. Knee (Human Anatomy): Images, Function, Ligaments, Muscles Human Anatomy Picture of the Knee © 2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. The knee joins the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The smaller bone that runs alongside the tibia (fibula) and the kneecap (patella) are the other bones that make the knee joint. Tendons connect the knee bones to the leg muscles that move the knee joint.

Ligaments join the knee bones and provide stability to the knee: The anterior cruciate ligament prevents the femur from sliding backward on the tibia (or the tibia sliding forward on the femur). The posterior cruciate ligament prevents the femur from sliding forward on the tibia (or the tibia from sliding backward on the femur). The medial and lateral collateral ligaments prevent the femur from sliding side to side. Two C-shaped pieces of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci act as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia. Numerous bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, help the knee move smoothly. Knee Conditions Chondromalacia patella (also called patellofemoral syndrome): Irritation of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap (patella), causing knee pain. This is a common cause of knee pain in young people. Knee osteoarthritis : Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and often affects the knees. Caused by aging and wear and tear of cartilage, osteoarthritis symptoms may include knee pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Knee effusion : Fluid buildup inside the knee, usually from inflammation. Any form of arthritis or injury may cause a knee effusion. Meniscal tear : Damage to a meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee, often occurs with twisting the knee. Large tears may cause the knee to lock. ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) strain or tear: The ACL is responsible for a large part of the knee’s stability. An ACL tear often leads to the knee “giving out,” and may require surgical repair. PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) strain or tear: PCL tears can cause pain, swelling, and knee instability. These injuries are less common than ACL tears, and physical therapy (rather than surgery) is usually the best option. MCL (medial collateral ligament) strain or tear: This injury may cause pain and possible instability to the inner side of the knee. Patellar subluxation : The kneecap slides abnormally or dislocates along the thigh bone during activity. Knee pain around the kneecap results. Patellar tendonitis : Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone. This occurs mostly in athletes from repeated jumping.

Knee bursitis: Pain, swelling, and warmth in any of the bursae of the knee. Bursitis often occurs from overuse or injury. Baker’s cyst: Collection of fluid in the back of the knee. Baker’s cysts usually develop from a persistent effusion as in conditions such as arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis : An autoimmune condition that can cause arthritis in any joint, including the knees. If untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent joint damage. Gout : A form of arthritis caused by buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. The knees may be affected, causing episodes of severe pain and swelling. Pseudogout : A form of arthritis similar to gout, caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals depositing in the knee or other joints. Septic arthritis : Bacterial infection inside the knee can cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. Although uncommon, septic arthritis is a serious condition that usually gets worse quickly without treatment.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries Lesiones del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) About ACL Injuries Knee injuries can happen in active kids, especially athletes, and a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — a ligament that helps give the knee its stability — is one of the most serious types of knee injuries. Kids who get ACL injuries tend to play contact sports (like football and basketball) or so-called "cutting" sports (like soccer and baseball that feature swift, abrupt movements such as pivoting, stopping, or turning on a dime). The injury can also happen with certain movements, like when a child jumps and lands hard on his or her feet. If the quadriceps muscles aren’t strong enough, a movement an athlete is used to doing can suddenly put too much pressure on the knee joint, causing the ACL, a rope-like band of tissue, to tear or break apart. Teenage girls are 2 to 10 times more likely than boys to tear an ACL.

That's because girls have different risk factors that make ACL injuries more likely, such as body shape, limb alignment, neuromuscular control, and hormones that might loosen the ligament. ACL injuries can be very painful, especially during cutting and pivoting movements. Depending on the age of the child and the severity of the injury, a torn ACL often benefits best from surgery as well as 6 to 12 months of rehabilitation. This treatment can help prevent a player from getting arthritis or further knee damage. What an ACL Does The ACL is one of the four main ligaments in the knee joint that connect it to the shinbone (tibia) and thighbone (femur). It is located deep within the joint, behind the kneecap (patella), above the shinbone, and below the thighbone. Together with the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), which crosses over it to form an "X," the ACL helps keep the knee stable while rotating. Specifically, the ACL keeps the shinbone in place and prevents it from moving too far forward and away from the knee and thighbone. It also provides stability when rotating the shinbone.

continue Signs and Symptoms Kids with a partially or completely torn ACL will definitely feel pain when the ACL tear happens. Afterward, they may or may not have symptoms, depending on the severity of the injury. Most will have no problems with walking. But if they return to their sport, they may have some instability, feeling "wobbly" or unable to bear weight on the affected leg. Oftentimes there is pain, which can be very intense, and swelling of the knee joint, which can happen within 24 hours of the tear. When the injury is happening, many kids report hearing a "pop" sound — the sound of the shinbone popping out of and back into place. Others also report the knee feels "less tight" or less compact than it was before. A child who has injured a knee — whether out on the field or at home — should stop all activity (to prevent further injury) and seek immediate medical care. In the meantime, keep the area iced — place the ice in a plastic bag, wrap the bag in a cloth, and hold it to the knee for up to 20 minutes at a time. Also, keep the knee elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling.

If putting weight on the knee is painful, a child should not bear weight on the knee. Diagnosis At the doctor's office or emergency room, doctors will perform physical exams and imaging tests to determine if there is a knee injury and, if so, how severe it is. These tests can help diagnose an ACL injury: Lachman test. During this exam, a child will lie down flat on his or her back with the affected knee lifted and flexed at a 20- to 30-degree angle. The doctor then places one hand on the calf and the other on the top of the thigh, applying pressure to move the shin forward. If it moves too far forward, it can signal a torn ACL. Anterior drawer test. During this test, the hip is flexed at 45 degrees and the knee at 90 degrees. The examiner grasps the back of the shin, just below the knee, placing index fingers on hamstring tendons and thumbs on the side of the kneecaps to feel any shift of the knee joint and surrounding areas while attempting to pull the tibia forward. To properly diagnose ACL injuries, doctors usually perform these tests in combination with or in addition to other physical exams.

While X-rays might be taken to determine the extent of the injury, they only image bone and, therefore, can only confirm the presence of bone fractures in the knee. An MRI , which images tissue (like ligaments and muscles), can confirm a partial or complete ACL tear so some doctors will order one to confirm a diagnosis. previous continue Treatment Treatment of ACL injuries depends on the age of the child and the type of injury, but most often involves some type of surgery. If a child is still growing, surgeons make sure not to touch the growth plates. Growth plates are the developing tissue on the ends of long bones, like the tibia and femur. Kids who are still growing have "open" growth plates, while those who have reached skeletal maturity have "closed" growth plates. When a child stops growing, the growth plate hardens (ossifies) along with the rest of the bone. Girls tend to stop growing earlier than boys; their growth plates usually close around ages 14 to 15, while boys' growth plates close later, at around ages 16 to 17. If a child has reached skeletal maturity, the surgeon will drill a small tunnel down through the femur to reach the inside of the knee joint.

Surgeons replace the torn ACL with tissue from the patient's own body (usually tissue from the main patellar tendon or hamstring) or with tissue donated from someone else (called an allograft). The new ACL tissue is put into the body through the tunnels created in the tibia and femur and is secured in the proper area with screws or other fixtures. If a child is young, surgeons will use a technique that spares the growth plate. One example is iliotibial (IT) band reconstruction. The IT band is a thick band of tissue that spans the leg from the lower pelvis to the bottom of the shinbone. Tightening this tissue over the kneecap helps to stabilize the knee and prevent the tibia from moving too far forward. After surgery, a child will need to walk with the assistance of crutches, limit physical activity, and wear a full-leg brace for 4 to 6 weeks, depending on what the surgeon advises. previous continue Rehab and Recovery Recovery from ACL surgery is a lengthy process that can take from 6 months to a year.

Rehabilitation ("rehab") therapy is needed to help heal the knee and to: restore range of motion regain strength in the knee, thigh, and shin muscles (and prevent atrophy, the breakdown of muscle tissue) reduce pain and swelling improve balance Most kids undergo rehab at a center three times a week, with daily exercises they practice at home. Accelerated rehab programs involve more frequent therapy, but they won’t necessarily speed recovery. In the early stages of recovery, a child may receive a leg brace and subsequent knee brace, depending on the surgeon’s recommendations. Keeping the knee iced and elevated can help to reduce swelling. Doctors may prescribe prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicine to help kids deal with the pain and feel more comfortable. In some cases, doctors may give people steroid injections to ease pain and help reduce swelling. While most sports are off limits — especially the activity that caused the injury in the first place — kids can do some low-impact activities that may be fun and even therapeutic, like swimming, bike riding, or protected running. Talk to your doctor about what activities might benefit your child.

Helping Your Child Cope Being told that you can't do the things you love — like running or playing football, field hockey, or softball — can be a devastating blow to any child. Kids recovering from an ACL injury may feel angry, frustrated, or even depressed, especially if they're no longer participating in team sports with their friends. But in the meantime, there are ways to still feel like part of the team. Keeping score, being a coach's assistant, or bringing water to the games may help. If your child doesn't want to do these, suggest starting a hobby, like playing the guitar, painting, drawing, or another activity that won't put too much strain on the knee. Low-impact activities, like swimming, are another option. In time, kids can return to the things they love. But if your child continues to feel angry or depressed during recovery, encourage him or her to talk to a school psychologist or counselor, who can help your child cope and look ahead to better days. Patellar Tendon Tear-OrthoInfo - AAOS Copyright 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Patellar Tendon Tear Tendons are strong cords of fibrous tissue that attach muscles to bones.

The patellar tendon works with the muscles in the front of your thigh to straighten your leg. Small tears of the tendon can make it difficult to walk and participate in other daily activities. A large tear of the patellar tendon is a disabling injury. It usually requires surgery and physical therapy to regain full knee function. Anatomy The patellar tendon attaches the bottom of the kneecap (patella) to the top of the shinbone (tibia). It is actually a ligament that connects to two different bones, the patella and the tibia. The patella is attached to the quadriceps muscles by the quadriceps tendon. Working together, the quadriceps muscles, quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon straighten the knee. The knee and tendons Description Patellar tendon tears can be either partial or complete. Partial tears. Many tears do not completely disrupt the soft tissue. This is similar to a rope stretched so far that some of the fibers are frayed, but the rope is still in one piece. Complete tears. A complete tear will disrupt the soft tissue into two pieces. When the patellar tendon is completely torn, the tendon is separated from the kneecap. Without this attachment, you cannot straighten your knee.

The patellar tendon often tears at the place where it attaches to the kneecap, and a piece of bone can break off along with the tendon. When a tear is caused by a medical condition — like tendinitis — the tear usually occurs in the middle of the tendon. A complete tear of the patellar tendon Injury A very strong force is required to tear the patellar tendon. Falls. Direct impact to the front of the knee from a fall or other blow is a common cause of tears. Cuts are often associated with this type of injury. Jumping. The patellar tendon usually tears when the knee is bent and the foot planted, like when landing from a jump or jumping up. Tendon Weakness A weakened patellar tendon is more likely to tear. Several things can lead to tendon weakness. Patellar tendinitis. Inflammation of the patellar tendon, called patellar tendinitis, weakens the tendon. It may also cause small tears. Patellar tendinitis is most common in people who participate in activities that require running or jumping.

While it is more common in runners, it is sometimes referred to as "jumper's knee." Corticosteroid injections to treat patellar tendinitis have been linked to increased tendon weakness and increased likelihood of tendon rupture. These injections are typically avoided in or around the patellar tendon. Chronic disease. Weakened tendons can also be caused by diseases that disrupt blood supply. Chronic diseases which may weaken the tendon include: Chronic renal failure Infection Metabolic disease Steroid use. Using medications like corticosteroids and anabolic steroids has been linked to increased muscle and tendon weakness. Surgery Previous surgery around the tendon, such as a total knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, might put you at greater risk for a tear. Top of page Symptoms When a patellar tendon tears there is often a tearing or popping sensation. Pain and swelling typically follow, and you may not be able to straighten your knee.

Additional symptoms include: An indentation at the bottom of your kneecap where the patellar tendon tore Bruising Tenderness Cramping Your kneecap may move up into the thigh because it is no longer anchored to your shinbone Difficulty walking due to the knee buckling or giving way Doctor Examination Medical History and Physical Examination Your doctor will discuss your general health and the symptoms you are experiencing. He or she will also ask you about your medical history. Questions you might be asked include: Have you had a previous injury to the front of your knee? Do you have patellar tendinitis? Do you have any medical conditions that might predispose you to a knee or a patellar tendon injury? Have you had surgery to your knee, such as a total knee replacement or an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your knee. To determine the exact cause of your symptoms, your doctor will test how well you can extend, or straighten, your knee. While this part of the examination can be painful, it is important to identify a patellar tendon tear. Doctors use the knee extension test to help diagnose a quadriceps tendon tear.

Reproduced from JF Sarwark, ed: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, ed 4. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010. Imaging Tests To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order some imaging tests, such as an x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. X-rays. The kneecap moves out of place when the patellar tendon tears. This is often very obvious on a "sideways" x-ray view of the knee. Complete tears can often be identified with these x-rays alone. MRI. This scan creates better images of soft tissues like the patellar tendon. The MRI can show the amount of tendon torn and the location of the tear. Sometimes, an MRI is required to rule out a different injury that has similar symptoms. (Left) This x-ray taken from the side shows the normal location of the kneecap. (Right) The kneecap has moved out of place due to a torn patellar tendon. Reproduced and adapted from J Bernstein, ed: Musculoskeletal Medicine. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2003.

Your doctor will consider several things when planning your treatment, including: The type and size of your tear Your activity level Very small, partial tears respond well to nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment most often includes wearing a brace and physical therapy. Courtesy Thinkstock © 2016 Immobilization. Your doctor may recommend you wear a knee immobilizer or brace. This will keep your knee straight to help it heal. You will most likely need crutches to help you avoid putting all of your weight on your leg. You can expect to be in a knee immobilizer or brace for 3 to 6 weeks. Physical therapy. Once the initial pain and swelling has settled down, physical therapy can begin. Specific exercises can restore strength and range of motion. While you are wearing the brace, your doctor may recommend exercises to strengthen your quadriceps muscles. Straight-leg raises are often prescribed. As time goes on, your doctor or therapist will unlock your brace. This will allow you to move more freely with a greater range of motion. You will be prescribed more strengthening exercises as you heal. Surgical Treatment Most people require surgery to regain knee function. Surgical repair reattaches the torn tendon to the kneecap.

People who require surgery do better if the repair is performed soon after the injury. Early repair may prevent the tendon from scarring and tightening into a shortened position. Hospital stay. Although tendon repairs are sometimes done on an outpatient basis, most people do stay in the hospital at least one night after this operation. Whether or not you will need to stay overnight will depend on your medical needs. The surgery may be performed with regional (spinal) anesthetic which numbs your lower body, or with a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep. Procedure. To reattach the tendon, sutures are placed in the tendon and then threaded through drill holes in the kneecap. The sutures are tied at the top of the kneecap. Your surgeon will carefully tie the sutures to get the correct tension in the tendon. This will also make sure the position of the kneecap closely matches that of your uninjured kneecap. (Left) Sutures are passed through small holes that have been drilled into the kneecap. (Right) The sutures are tied at the top of the kneecap.

Schottel P, Reinhardt KR, DiFelice GS, Ranawat AS: Surgical Treatment of Traumatic Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Injuries of the Knee, in Flatow E, Colvin AC, eds: Atlas of Essential Orthopaedic Procedures. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2013, pp 137-145. New Technique. A recent development in patellar tendon repair is the use of suture anchors. Surgeons attach the tendon to the bone using small metal implants (called suture anchors). Using these anchors means that drill holes in the kneecap are not necessary. This is a new technique, so data is still being collected on its effectiveness. Most orthopaedic research on patellar tendon repair involves the direct suture repair with the drill holes in the kneecap. Considerations. To provide extra protection to the repair, some surgeons use a wire, sutures, or cables to help hold the kneecap in position while the tendon heals. If your surgeon does this, the wires or cables may need to be removed during a later, scheduled operation. Your surgeon will discuss your need for this extra protection before your operation.

Sometimes, surgeons make this decision for additional protection during surgery. It is then that they see the tendon shows more damage than expected, or the tear is more extensive. If your tendon has shortened too much before surgery, it will be hard to re-attach it to your kneecap. Your surgeon may need to add tissue graft to lengthen the tendon. This sometimes involves using donated tissue (allograft). Tendons often shorten if more than a month has passed since your injury. Severe damage from the injury or underlying disease can also make the tendon too short. Your surgeon will discuss this additional procedure with you prior to surgery. Complications. The most common complications of patellar tendon repair include weakness and loss of motion. Re-tears sometimes occur, and the repaired tendon can detach from the kneecap. In addition, the position of your kneecap may be different after the procedure. As with any surgery, the other possible complications include infection, wound breakdown, a blood clot, or anesthesia complications. Rehabilitation. After surgery you will require some type of pain management, including ice and medications. About 2 weeks after surgery, your skin sutures or staples will be removed in the surgeon's office.

Most likely, your repair will be protected with a knee immobilizer or a long leg cast. You may be allowed to put your weight on your leg with the use of a brace and crutches (or a walker). To start, your surgeon may recommend "toe touch" weight bearing. This is when you lightly touch your toe to the floor, putting down just the weight of your leg. By 2 to 4 weeks, your leg can usually bear about 50% of your body weight. After 4 to 6 weeks, your leg should be able to handle your full body weight. Over time, your doctor or therapist will unlock your brace. This will allow you to move more freely with a greater range of motion. Strengthening exercises will be added to your rehabilitation plan. In some cases, an "immediate motion" protocol (treatment plan) is prescribed. This is a more aggressive approach and not appropriate for all patients. Most surgeons protect motion early on after surgery. The exact timeline for physical therapy and the type of exercises prescribed will be individualized to you. Your rehabilitation plan will be based on the type of tear you have, your surgical repair, your medical condition, and your needs.

Complete recovery takes about 6 months. Many patients have reported that they required 12 months before they reached all their goals. All about the Knee & Meniscus Knee and Meniscus Anatomy The Knee Joint The knee is one of the most complex and largest joints in the body. It allows you to flex and extend your knee as well as rotate it horizontally. The knee provides both strength and flexibility during leg movements, while being loose enough to allow the freedom for quick movements and changes in directions. It is not the bones inside the knee that provides stability, instead it is the soft tissue (tendons, ligaments, muscles, menisci) that holds the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (the slender bone in the lower leg) and the patella (kneecap) together at the joint. The knee cap (patella) is a bone embedded within a tendon (the largest sesamoid) that rests over a groove at the bottom of the rounded thigh bone and the top of the shinbone. It protects the bones and soft tissue in your knee joint and helps with extension for your leg.

The tendons in the knee are tough cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone and help control movement of your joint. The upper leg muscles provide your knees with mobility (extension, flexion and rotation) and strength. The quadriceps muscles located on the front of your thigh (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius) straighten your legs. The hamstring muscles located on the back of your thigh (semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris) bend your knees and the small but might popliteus muscle help the leg from locking and starts the movement of your leg. As well as providing stability, the tendons, ligaments, articular cartilage, meniscus and other soft tissue in the joint provide cushioning and protect the bones. A type of slick, hard but flexible tissue known as articular cartilage covers the surface ends of the tibia and femur at your knee joint, allowing them to move easily against one another. It is generally 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

A thick, stringy, egg-like fluid, called synovial fluid, found inside the knee capsule, lubricates your knee joint and, along with the meniscus and articular cartilage reduces friction. We have tools that will help you to prevent and treat the symptoms of meniscus related injury When it comes to your injured knee, it's best to start effective long term healing right away. Our Advisers are highly trained individuals and will help find the long term healing goal that's right for YOU. There is no cost or obligation to this service. Why wait? Call today and get on the road to recovery faster than ever before! Call now! Toll Free: 1-866-237-9608 International: +1-705-445-3505 Medial Meniscus and Lateral Meniscus The soft tissue structure in the knee includes 2 menisci, the medial meniscus (located on the inside of the knee) and lateral meniscus (located on the outside of the knee).

Menisci are crescent-shaped pads of fibrocartilage that sit on the end of the tibia bone (tibial condyles) and form a concave surface for the rounded ends of the femur bone (femoral condyles) to rest on. They cover approximately 2/3 of the tibia surface and are thicker on the outside and thinner on the inside appearing triangular in cross section. The 2 menisci fill the space between the leg bones and cushion the femur so it doesn't slide off or rub against the tibia. The two menisci are joined together within the knee joint by the transverse ligament. The menisci also attach to leg muscles which help the menisci maintain their position during movement. The semimembranosus and quadriceps attach to both menisci. The lateral meniscus attaches to the popliteus below the knee and the femur via the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). On the inner part of the knee, the ends of the menisci (known as the anterior and posterior horns) are attached to the tibia and joint capsule and along the exterior edge of the meniscus by the coronary ligaments.

These ligaments are loose which allow the menisci to pivot freely. However, the medial meniscus does not move as freely in the joint as the lateral meniscus and as a result is torn more frequently. The blood flow to the menisci comes from the inferior genicular artery. This artery supplies blood to the perimeniscal plexus which provides oxygen and nutrients to the synovial and capsular tissues around the menisci and within the knee joint. The coronary ligaments attached to the meniscus, transport the blood from the perimeniscal plexus (network of blood vessels) into the peripheral of the menisci. The anterior and posterior horns of the menisci also receive a good amount of blood as they are covered by a vascular synovium. The interior part of the meniscus is avascular, having NO direct blood supply. What this means to you The location of your meniscus injury and the amount of the damage. May help you and your doctor decide on having you face surgery to 'clip' away a piece of your meniscus or if you are using alternative therapy to heal your meniscus.

The Function of the Meniscus The menisci play a very important role in the proper working of the knee. Essentially, they serve as cushions to decrease the stress caused by weight bearing and forces on the knees. They work like shock absorbers, supporting the load by compressing and spreading the weight evenly within the knee. Even while walking, the pressure put on the knee joints can be 2 - 4 times your own body weight; when you run these forces increase up to 6 - 8 times your body weight and are even higher when landing from a jump. By increasing the area of contact inside the joint by nearly 3 times, the menisci reduce the load significantly (dispersing between 30 and 55% of the load). As weight is applied to the meniscus they are compressed and are forced to extend out from between the femur and tibia. However, the circular design of the menisci provides circumference tension (referred to as 'Hoop Stress') to resist this extension and provide stability as the load compresses. If the meniscus is torn at the peripheral rim, circumference tension is compromised and the meniscus loses its ability to transfer the load and the joint begins to suffer.

In fact, if part of the peripheral is removed or the tear extends to the periphery, the load on the knee joint may increase by up to 350% causing stress and pain. However, if the tear remains on the interior without disrupting the periphery of the meniscus, the meniscus is still able to disperse the load without stress and pain. The menisci also assist with the proper movement (arthrokinematic) of the femur and tibia during flexion and extension. They help stabilize the knees when in motion, reduce friction within the joint, and lubricate and protect the articular cartilage surrounding the tips of the bones from damage due to wear and tear. Call now! Toll Free: 1-866-237-9608 International: +1-705-445-3505 What is Fibrocartilage? The menisci are composed of tissue called fibrocartilage which is tougher and contains more fiber than other types of cartilage in the body. The collagen fibers are woven into dense tissue that is resistant to stretching and extending in various directions.

This makes fibrocartilage excellent for cushioning the knee joint that is required to move multi directionally. The amount of blood vessels in the fibrocartilage throughout the meniscus varies. The outer one-third of the meniscus is vascular, which means there is an abundance of blood vessels to allow blood to the area. The central part of each meniscus has fewer blood vessels and the inner third does not contain any. As a result, a tear on the outer peripheral of the meniscus can heal faster than one on the inner portion. Tears in the innermost part of the meniscus may not heal completely due to the lack of blood supply. Without proper nutrition (blood supply) the menisci may partially disintegrate resulting in less cushioning and protection within the joint. Proper blood flow ensures nutrients and oxygen reach the area and metabolic waste is removed from the fibrocartilage. When functioning properly, the knee joint naturally receives blood flow through movement and the pumping action of body weight shifting from knee to knee. Greater blood flow results in faster and more complete healing when meniscus or ligament damage occurs.

Using Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™ (BFST®), will help with your recovery and heal your meniscus injury . BFST® increases the amount of blood that flows naturally to the tissue to nourish your tendons, improving elasticity and speeding the healing process. This increased Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy to your knee tendon(s) is greatly needed. Knee Ligaments Ligaments are strong, elastic-like tissues that connect bone to bone and provide stability and protection to your knee joint by limiting the forward and backward movement of the shin bone. The knee has 2 collateral (parallel) ligaments and 2 cruciate (crossing) ligaments. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) provide support to the knee by limiting the sideways motion of the joint and resisting extreme rotation in a partially flexed position. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) stabilize the knee by limiting the rotation and the forward and backward movement of the joint. The MCL is the most commonly injured of the collateral ligaments. Injury is often a result of a blow to the outer side of the knee during sports.

Since the MCL is attached to the medial meniscus, damage to the medial meniscus often occurs when the MCL is injured during a hard hit to the knee. The cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) are strong and thick providing stability to the joint. Together they work to prevent extreme knee motions of any kind. As a result, any damage to a cruciate ligament can cause noticeable instability in the knee. An ACL injury, the most common cruciate ligament injury, occurs when the knee is locked with the foot planted and the knee is twisted quickly. Athletes required to make sudden directional changes or to slow down quickly as well as those in contact sports are at high risk for ACL tears. Minor tears may go unnoticed immediately and will appear a few hours later with pain and swelling. More serious ACL tears are accompanied by severe pain and often a popping sound. The knee may feel as though something has snapped and walking or bending the knee is usually impossible. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are ligaments of interest to meniscus tear sufferers because meniscus tears that occur due to force trauma are sometimes accompanied by tears to the MCL and/or ACL.

When the meniscus, MCL and ACL are injured in combination it is referred to as the "unhappy triad". Call now! Toll Free: 1-866-237-9608 International: +1-705-445-3505 What Happens When the Meniscus is Injured? Menisci tend to get injured during movements that forcefully twist your knee while bearing weight. As we age the tissue degenerates and becomes weaker and tear as a result of minor injuries or movements. When your meniscus is damaged and/or torn, it starts to move abnormally inside the joint. Causing the edge of the torn meniscus it to become caught between the bones of the joint (femur and tibia). Your knee then becomes swollen, painful and difficult to move. These injuries can be difficult to heal because blood supply (which helps your body heal itself) is often limited to the outside edge of the menisci. Once you have a meniscus tear, you have an increased risk of developing knee arthritis because these shock absorbers are weakened.

They slowly wear away with knee movements and are not able to protect your articular cartilage on the surface of the knee joint as much as before. Do you really have Meniscus Injury? A visit to your doctor can rule out these secondary conditions. It is common to suffer from two conditions at the same time. Muscle Strain - Muscle strain are known as a 'pulled muscle', this overstretching the tissue beyond its capacity. Athletes are at more of risk of muscle strains as they use their muscles everyday. Less inactive people also are at risk as their muscles become weak and over using them can strain the tissue. This 'pull' of the muscle fibers is micro-tears and even separation from the tendon. Pain and inflammation in the muscles, you may feel more muscle weakness, swelling, bruising or even pain when move your knee. Ligament Sprain - Sprains happen to ligaments. Ligaments are fibrous tissue that connect bone to bone in the knee joint such as the ACL, PCL, LCL, or MCL. To much force on the joint pulls on the bones and overstretches the ligament tissue, causing micro-tears in ligament fibers.

If the sprain is very traumatic the ligament may rupture under the force and surgery is required to completely recover. Anyone is at risk of for a ligament sprain, there are some that are at high risk, athletes in collision sports, football or ruby. Sometimes less impact can cause a slight sprain with the knee twisting inwards such as standing up for a chair. Pain and inflammation in the ligament affected, swelling, or even pain when move your knee. Bursitis - Bursae (plural for bursa) are flattened fluid-filled sacs that function as cushions between your bones and muscles (deep bursae) or bones and tendons (superficial bursae). They reduce friction and allow the surface of your soft tissue to slide over bone effortlessly. When pressure or friction is too great, excess fluid can build up in the bursa sac causing inflammation. When a bursa becomes inflamed, moving the affected area becomes very painful and movement can be difficult. Any actions that put pressure on the inflamed bursa can increase irritation and cause further inflammation and pain. Arthritis - Arthritis is a condition that can affect the tissue lining in joints (this lining is called the 'synovium').

You may suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which is an autoimmune disease, or osteoarthritis (OA) which is a degenerative condition from wear and tear. When experiencing arthritis in general, inflammation from arthritis causes redness, heat, pain and swelling. Symptoms start with feeling pain and stiffness in the joint, reduced joint mobility, and swelling. It's possible for arthritis to cause tendonitis, with severe swelling in the joint arthritis can cause weakening in tendon tissue resulting in a strain or rupture. Patellofemoral Arthritis causes pain in the front of your knee and can make it difficult to kneel or climb stairs. The kneecap slides up and down in a groove on the end of the thigh bone (trochlear groove). Patellofemoral arthritis occurs when the cartilage along the trochlear groove and on the underside of the patella wears down and becomes inflamed. Cyst - A ganglion cyst or synovial cyst can occur in any joint in the body. They appear under the skin as a lump or bump (non-cancerous) and may sometimes present no other symptoms. The cyst is basically a soft sac filled with a thick, clear fluid.

It's still unknown why cysts form so close to a joint or tendon. They may or may not become painful (in a lot of cases they're harmless), will limit your activity and could possibly grow larger if you continue the activity that caused this injury in the first place. Usually cysts only become really painful if the cyst is pressing down on any nerves in the affected area. If this is the case, then you may suffer from pain, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness. If you don't have a lot of pain then you may only need to treat the symptoms of your cyst and wait for the cyst to naturally go away on its' own. Cysts most commonly show up in the wrist, hand, ankle, feet and near other joints (ie. the back of the knee - a baker's cyst). Synovial Plicae - Weakness in the knee as if it is unstable while walking up or down stairs or slopes. Pain with the extension of the knee, as well as may hearing a cracking noises when flexing and straightening your knee. Known as "pathological synovial plica syndrome" considered a embryonic relic.

At the 12th week of life the synovial plica forms in the knee, as we grown and mature this tissue then is becomes entangled within the knee and is unable to dissolve and remains in our adulthood. Estimated that 50% of the population has the 'plicae' after birth. It is common for this condition to be over looked by doctors. MendMyKnee.com - Anatomy of the knee (tibiofemoral) joint To discuss your particular situation and how our products can help, call toll-free at 1-866-237-9608 Anatomy of the Knee The knee is the largest joint in your body and one of the most easily injured. It is a pivotal hinge joint in the leg that allows for a variety of movements (i.e. flexion, extension, medial rotation, and lateral rotation) and it connects the tibia and the fibula, with the thigh bone (femur). The soft tissue in the knee joint (tendons, ligaments, menisci, cartilage) that provides stability in the knee and hold the bones together at the joint.

Patella (Knee Cap) Your patella, or knee cap, is a circular-triangular bone, approximately 2 inches across, that is embedded between the quadriceps tendon above and patellar tendon below. Bones embedded in tendons are called sesamoid bones and they protect the tendons and improve the function of the joint by holding the tendons away from the center of the joint. The patella is the larger sesamoid bone in your body and rests over a groove at the bottom of the femur and the top of the tibia. It protects the bones and soft tissue in your knee joint and slides when your knee moves, allowing leverage in your leg muscles. Knee Tendons and Ligaments The patellar ligament (also referred to as the patellar tendon) is located below the patella. It is approximately 4 inches long and inserts at the top of the tibia and spreads over top of the patella where it connects to the quadriceps tendon. The patella tendon is most commonly injured or inflicted with tendonitis, known as Jumper's Knee (patellar tendonitis) . The upper leg muscles provide your knees with mobility (extension, flexion and rotation) and strength.

The quadriceps muscles located at the front of your thigh (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius), allow you to straighten your legs and the hamstring muscles, located on the back of your thigh (semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris), allow you to bend your knees. The tendon of the quadriceps runs from the quadriceps muscles, down both sides of the patella and join on either side of the tibia. This tendon is susceptible to quadriceps tendinitis . Ligaments are strong, elastic-like tissues that connect bone to bone and provide stability and protection to your knee joint by limiting the forward and backward movement of the shin bone. There are four ligaments in the knee joint that connect the femur and tibia; the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The ACL is in the center of the knee, it limits rotation and forward leg movements. The PCL is in the center of the knee, it limits backward leg movements.

The MCL runs along the inside of the knee joint, it provides stability to the medial (inner) part of the knee. The LCL runs along the outside of the knee joint, it provides stability to the lateral (outer) part of the knee. The knee ligament that is most frequently injured is the anterior cruciate ligament. A pivot, twist or over-extension of the knee can lead to an ACL strain or tear . Lateral Meniscus and Medial Meniscus The menisci are crescent shaped wedges located in the knee joint at the bottom of your thigh bone and on top of the flat upper surface of your shin bone. They are made of a dense, collagen connective tissue that is tougher than articular cartilage, called fibro-cartilage. Menisci cover approximately 2/3 of your tibia surface and are thinner on the inside and thicken toward the outer peripheral. They fill the space between these bones and cushion your femur (similar to shock absorbers) so it doesn't rub against your tibia or slide off.

When you walk, your weight shifts from one meniscus to the other which can increase the forces on your knee by up to 2 - 4 times your body weight; when you run the forces increase up to 6 - 8 times your body weight, and are even higher when landing from a jump. The menisci help distribute the weight of your body across your knee joint, lubricate and protect the articular cartilage from damages from wear and tear, stabilize your knee when you slide and turn, and limit extreme knee flexion and extension. Due to the weight bearing and stabilizing function of the menisci they are very strong, but they are also quite prone to a meniscus tear . There are 2 menisci - the lateral meniscus (located on the outside of your knee) and the medial meniscus (located on the inside of your knee). The lateral meniscus is more of an o-shape, and although it is slightly shorter in length, it covers a larger portion of the tibia surface. It is very mobile and is only attached to the tibia on the outside and back of your joint.

It slides forwards and backwards, moving freely in the joint, absorbing up to 80% of the load applied to the outside of your knee. The lateral meniscus is less likely to be injured or torn by force, because it can move and change shape. The medial meniscus is about 3.5cm in length and more of a c-shape, resembling a wedge of an orange. It is tightly attached to the tibia and joint capsule on the back and inside of your knee. It helps the ACL and MCL stabilize your knee, absorbing up to 50% of the load applied to the inside of the knee. The medial meniscus is quite inflexible and does not move freely in the joint, therefore, it is torn more frequently than the lateral meniscus. Bursae in the Knee In amongst the bones, tendons, and ligaments rest bursa sacs that function as cushions to reduce friction and allow your soft tissue to slide easily and comfortably within your knee. The bursae are lined with synovial cells that secret a fluid rich in protein and collagen and act as the lubricant between areas in your knee where friction (rubbing) is greatest.

There are 4 major bursa in your knee including the prepatellar bursa, supra-patellar bursa, infra-patellar bursa, and pes anserine bursa. With too much friction or pressure on the bursae, they can become irritated and inflamed. This is a condition called bursitis. Prepatellar bursitis and pes anserine bursitis are the most common types of bursitis pain in the knees. Articular Cartilage and Synovial Fluid Articular cartilage, also known as hyaline cartilage, is a type of slick, hard, bone-like, flexible connective tissue that covers the surface ends of the tibia and femur at your knee joint, reducing friction and allowing the bones to move easily against one another. It is generally 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Synovial fluid is a thick, stringy, yolk-like fluid that is secreted by the synovial tissue inside the knee capsule. It nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the knee joint. Wear and tear in the knee joint can cause the protective cartilage to begin to break down.

When this occurs it is called osteoarthritis and if left untreated, it can lead to permanent cartilage loss and chronic knee pain. Or email us at service@MendMyKnee.com Some Facts About Knees: Approximately 19.4 million visits to physicians' offices in the US per year are due to knee problems. The knee is a complex joint with many components, making it vulnerable to a variety of injuries. Oral medications can mask the pain but do not aid in the healing of knee injuries. Most knee injuries can be successfully treated without surgery. Sadly, regardless of treatment, ACL injuries in high-school youths are associated with a 10-fold increased risk for degenerative knee arthritis later in life. MendmyKnee (a division of MendMeShop) is an FDA registered company. This means our products are of very high quality, made from biocompatible materials. Every year, at least 1 in 3000 Americans between ages 14 and 55 tear an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Our products are currently in use by NFL players, PGA tour golfers, senators, kings (yes, royalty), elite marathon runners, martial arts academies, hollywood actors and actresses, professional trainers, european football players, rugby players and people all over the world with soft tissue injuries just like you.

Question: Where in your body is your patella?
Answer: Knee