What is knee osteoarthritis? Knee osteoarthritis is the most common type of osteoarthritis, and is a very common cause of disability in the UK. The surfaces of the joint are covered with cartilage, which allows low friction movement, and the joint is stabilised with...
What is a Meniscus? A meniscus is the C-shaped wedge of cartilage found on both sides of the knee, between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). Each knee has an outer, or lateral meniscus, and an inner, medial meniscus. They act as cushions softening the...
What is Cartilage Damage? The articular surfaces (surfaces that make contact with another skeletal structure as part of a joint) of long bones are covered with hyaline cartilage. Damage to this hyaline cartilage is known as a chondral injury or, if the underlying bone...
What is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)? The anterior cruciate ligament is a 3-3.5cm band of fibrous tissue forming one of the four main ligaments in the knee which work together to prevent excessive movement of the knee joint. How does the ACL get injured? Most...
What is patella tendinosis? Patella tendonitis is a chronic inflammation of the patellar tendon. The patella tendon (ligament) is the structure which runs from below the knee cap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia) and its function is to straighten the knee in...
What is the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury? The posterior cruciate ligament is a band of fibrous tissue located towards the back of the knee. It is one of the four main ligaments in the knee and prevents excessive movement of the knee joint. How does it get...
