At Perth Hip and Knee we understand the need for rapid assessment, diagnosis and treatment of sporting injuries to the knee. Both the desire for a rapid return to sport as well as a need to return to all normal activities of your daily life, mean that the quicker you are treated, the better off you will be. With this in mind our surgeons allow for urgent appointments for acute knee injuries. With subspecialist training in knee surgery and our years of experience, Perth Hip and Knee will provide you with the best available treatment for your knee injury.
Meniscal Tears
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (leg bone) within the knee. When they are torn they will usually cause sharp pain in the side or back of the knee. This is usually associated with swelling of the knee. It will often be difficult to fully bend the knee and squatting, twisting or turning may result in those sharp pains. In young patients meniscal tears will usually require surgery to settle the pain. In older individuals with arthritic knees degenerative tears may not need surgery and this is best discussed with your surgeon.
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) ruptures
This injury is usually traumatic, although can be due to a non-contact pivoting injury. It is usually associated with instability of the knee and a feeling of giving way and will swell, usually within an hour of the injury. Whilst it is possible to maintain straight line activities such as walking and cycling without an ACL most younger patients will opt for an ACL reconstruction due to the unpredictability of when the knee may give way even if they do not intend to return to sport.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injuries
This is an injury to the ligament on the side of the knee that occurs usually after an impact to the outside of the knee. It is often painful although may not swell as much as other injuries. Whilst mild injuries can be managed with R.I.C.E most injuries of at least moderate severity are best treated with bracing of the knee. The earlier this occurs the more successful the treatment will be. The pain from an MCL injury can mask underlying injuries to either the meniscus or the ACL.
