Arthritis & wear
Ligaments
ACL Tear
Pop on a pivot, swelling within hours, the knee gives way. The classic non-contact sports injury.
PCL Tear
Direct blow to the front of the bent knee, dashboard injury, or a hyperextension. Often part of a multi-ligament injury.
MCL Sprain
A blow to the outside of the knee that strains the ligament on the inner side. Most heal without surgery.
LCL Sprain
A blow to the inside of the knee, or bending it too far backward, that strains the ligament on the outer side. How bad it is sets the plan.
Meniscus
Kneecap & extensor mechanism
Patellofemoral Pain
Vague ache behind or around the kneecap. Worse with stairs, squatting, and prolonged sitting.
Patellar Instability
The kneecap slides laterally or fully dislocates, usually from an anatomic predisposition.
Patellar Tendinopathy
Jumper’s knee. Degeneration of the tendon below the kneecap from repeated loading.
Quadriceps Tendinopathy
Same degenerative process in the tendon above the kneecap.
Patellar Tendon Ruptures
Sudden complete tear of the tendon below the kneecap. You can no longer straighten the leg.
Quadriceps Tendon Ruptures
Same injury, one level up. Surgery is typically needed and time-sensitive.
Other soft tissue
IT Band Syndrome
Sharp outer-knee pain with running or cycling. Friction between the iliotibial band and the outer femur.
Baker’s Cyst
Fluid-filled swelling behind the knee, usually a sign of something else inside the joint.
Prepatellar Bursitis
Swelling of the bursa in front of the kneecap. Common in occupations that involve a lot of kneeling.
Fractures around the knee
Non-operative care
Most knee problems are managed without surgery using activity changes, physical therapy, bracing, and injections when appropriate. See all non-operative care options →
Surgical options
Total and partial knee replacement, knee arthroscopy, meniscus repair, ACL and other ligament reconstructions, and fracture fixation. See all knee procedures →