Knee injuries (orthopaedics)

What is the anatomy of the knee?

The knee joint consists of the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia) and kneecap (patella). The ends of these bones are covered with cartilage, which allows smooth movement and helps absorb shocks. The knee capsule is lined with a membrane that produces fluid to keep the joint moving smoothly. At the front of the knee sits the kneecap, which helps distribute forces when bending and straightening the knee. Between the bone ends are the inner and outer menisci, which provide shock absorption and stability. The knee ligaments provide stability: the cruciate ligaments in the centre control rotational stability, while the collateral ligaments provide sideways support.

Diagnosis

The orthopaedic surgeon makes a diagnosis through a thorough examination and, if needed, imaging (radiology). You can consult our specialists for a wide range of knee problems. In people who develop knee pain during sport, wake up at night due to pain, or have stiffness when starting to move, this is often the result of wear and tear (osteoarthritis) of the knee. Pain after a twisting movement, the knee giving way, or locking symptoms usually point to an acute problem.