Knee injury (site of stress on joint and possible cause)

Stress on the joint - was there a varus or valgus stress or rotational force acting through the knee at the time of injury?

• non-contact twisting injuries
  
  
  • twisting injury of extended knee
    • causes include patellar subluxation or dislocation
      • particularly the case in patients with patella alta where the patella is abnormally high in relation to the femur
        • in this situation the patella is not well engaged in the trochlear groove and is at an increased risk for injury
          
          
  • twisting injury of flexed knee
    • causes include meniscus or ACL tear
      
      
• blow to the lateral aspect of knee (valgus injury)
  • would result in sudden stretching of medial-sided knee structures
    • superficial medial collateral ligament most at risk for injury
      
      
• blow to the medial aspect of knee (varus injury)
  • increases stress on the outside of the knee
    • possible posterolateral corner injury

Reference

• Duong V et al. Evaluation and Treatment of Knee Pain: A Review. JAMA. 2023 Oct 24;330(16):1568-1580