Sports knee injuries

When a patient presents with a sporting knee injury, a detailed history can help narrow down the nature of the injury. Examination can be difficult in the acute setting and may need to be repeated 3 or more days after the injury. Fractures can usually be excluded with plain X–rays; where indicated MRI or CT scan will usually confirm the diagnosis. Management aims are to manage pain, minimise knee swelling, maintain range of movement and quadriceps activation, and arrange appropriate referral. Medial collateral ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and some small meniscal injuries can usually be managed conservatively. Most meniscal injuries, anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament injuries require surgical management. Physiotherapy is an integral part of the management of knee injuries in both the conservative and surgical settings.