Knees

Knee complaints are common and can have many causes. Knee complaints occur in all ages.

The knee joint consists of 4 bones (femur, tibia, fibula and kneecap) with cartilage, ligaments (2 cruciate ligaments, inner ligament, outer ligament) and two menisci. The fibula is not really part of the knee joint, but functions as an attachment point for the muscles and the outer ligament. There is also a joint capsule around the knee joint that produces moisture on the inside. The knee joint actually consists of two joints: the joint between the femur and the tibia and the joint between the kneecap and the femur.

A painful knee is mainly caused by damage to the above structures. At a young age mainly meniscus and (cruciate) ligament injuries, at an older age mainly wear and tear/arthrosis.

Wear and tear of the knee is a common cause of knee problems. The knee supports the body and ensures that we can move. The high forces on the knee can cause the smooth cartilage on the surface of the bones of the knee to wear down over the years. This is called osteoarthritis. This makes the mobility of the knee joint less flexible and eventually the joint can deform. As a result of osteoarthritis, an inflammatory reaction occurs, which causes more fluid to be produced and the knee to swell.

Recognizable complaints of osteoarthritis of the knee joint are pain on the inside and outside of the knee, swelling, stiffness when standing up and climbing stairs, feeling that the knee is sinking and limitation of movement. In addition, closing complaints can occur due to loose bone or cartilage fragments. The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can vary greatly from person to person.

Knee ligament injuries are another common cause of knee problems. Knee ligaments can be damaged during an unexpected movement. This suddenly puts a great force on the belt and it can tear. The ligaments of the knee stabilize the knee joint. The anterior cruciate ligament prevents the tibia and femur from sliding apart abnormally. This approximately 4 cm wide band acts as a stabilizer in the forward direction. The posterior cruciate ligament is also such a stabilizer but tears much less frequently. The inner and outer tube provide stability in the lateral direction of movement. The rupture of one of these tires therefore causes instability.

At last injury to the meniscus is common. The knee consists of an inner and an outer meniscus, both of which function as a kind of ‘rubber’ shock absorber. Meniscal injuries often cause knee pain with mechanical complaints. Mechanical complaints mean the feeling of being trapped and closing complaints. Meniscus injuries can prevent the knee from extending or bending properly due to the impingement. A twisting moment from a bent knee can cause the meniscus to tear acutely. In old age, the meniscus tissue weakens, causing the shock absorption function to deteriorate. This is called a degenerative meniscus.

Our team includes several experts in the field of knee problems. During the appointment you will discuss the possibilities with one of our specialists. They are happy to take the time to get a complete picture of your health situation, so that the most suitable treatment can be determined together with you.

Our orthopedic surgeons are specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of various knee complaints and conditions. Here are some common types of knee complaints that an orthopedic surgeon may treat:

1. Knee Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the knee joint. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility. Orthopedic surgeons can provide both non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and injections, as well as surgical options like knee arthroscopy, osteotomy, or knee replacement.
2. Knee Ligament Injuries: Ligament injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears, or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears, are frequently seen in sports-related activities or traumatic accidents. Orthopedic surgeons may recommend conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or bracing for mild cases. However, severe ligament injuries may require surgical reconstruction to restore knee stability.
3. Meniscal Tears: The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber. Meniscal tears can occur due to sudden twisting or turning movements. Orthopedic surgeons can diagnose meniscal tears through physical examination and imaging studies, and treatment options may include conservative management, arthroscopic meniscus repair, or partial meniscectomy (removal of the damaged portion).
4. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: This condition involves pain and discomfort around the front of the knee, particularly behind or around the kneecap (patella). It commonly affects athletes, runners, or individuals who engage in repetitive knee movements. Orthopedic surgeons may recommend physical therapy, exercises, orthotics, or, in some cases, surgical interventions to realign the patella or address underlying issues.
5. Patellar Tendonitis: Also known as jumper’s knee, patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation and pain in the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Orthopedic surgeons may recommend conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or medications. In some cases, procedures like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or surgical intervention may be considered.
6. Bursitis: Knee bursitis involves the inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. It can result from repetitive kneeling, overuse, or injury. Orthopedic surgeons may suggest conservative treatments such as rest, activity modification, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections. In rare cases, surgical drainage or removal of the bursa may be necessary.
7. Knee Fractures: Orthopedic surgeons also treat fractures involving the knee joint, which can occur due to trauma, falls, or accidents. The treatment approach depends on the type and severity of the fracture but may involve casting, bracing, external fixation, or surgical interventions like open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

These are just a few examples of the knee complaints that our orthopedic surgeons commonly treat. Each case is unique, and treatment options can vary based on the individual’s specific condition, symptoms, and lifestyle. Our orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to address the specific needs of each patient.