SPORTS MEDICINE ADVISOR
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Knee Injuries in Athletics
Knee injuries are second to ankle injuries in terms of lost playing time. However, knee injuries tend to be more severe. It is critical that a proper history is taken to help with the exam and assessment. In a study done by Kenneth DeHaven,MD, at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, found that 80% of all hemoarthroses (blood in the joint) indicate an injury to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament(ACL). ACL injuries must be ruled out in knee injuries which present an effusion and an audible pop heard by the athlete. A high percentage of ACL injuries are deceleration injuries; that means that the athlete was changing direction, slowing down, or pivoting on the involved leg. There is no contact or impact to the knee, the foot is usually planted, and there is a rotation to the knee.
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