Knee Pain and Hockey " Karl a 22-year-old university hockey player "

Case study ( 6787 views as of March 19, 2024 )

Karl, a 22-year-old university hockey player injured his knee in a game two days ago. He presents to his physician with significant pain and swelling to his left knee. He describes being hit along the anteriomedial aspect of his planted knee. He felt something tear and pop in his knee. He had immediate pain and was unable to continue playing or to weight bear on his left leg. He was placed in a knee immobilizer.

His examination reveals marked swelling in the knee and significant loss of motion. Gentle ligament exam reveals laxity to testing the PCL. The ACL is stable as was the MCL. He has laxity to varius testing at 30 degrees. He has increased external rotation at both 30 degrees and 90 degrees of knee flexion. There is subtle external rotation recurvatum. There is marked tenderness posteriolaterally as well.

Karl could benefit his condition by seeing a sports medicine doctor and getting an MRI to confirm whether he has a ligament tear. A referral to an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in knees and a physiotherapist for post-surgical rehabilitation. He might consider a knee brace for strength and stability post surgery.

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Conversation based on: Knee Pain and Hockey " Karl a 22-year-old university hockey player "

Knee Pain and Hockey " Karl a 22-year-old university hockey player "

  • The ACL ligiment is situated in the centre of the knee and helps to prevent rotation of the knee. ACL injuries do not typically require bracing or surgery. ACL injuries are typical in sports where pivoting or shifting is required, like tennis or soccer.
  • The case study indicates that Karl was "hit along the anteriomedial aspect of his planted knee. " What portion of the knee would that be ? Would he have been hit from the side?
    • Wouldn't the front part of the knee be an odd position to receive such an injury from hockey ?
    • @K.Michael - the anteriomedial aspect of the knee is the front inner part of the knee. I take it to be just to the inside of the kneecap in this case study.
    • @K.Michael - the anteriomedial aspect of the knee is the front inner part of the knee. I take it to be just to the inside of the kneecap in this case study.
  • This is a case where a multitude of health practitioners can aid in Karl's recovery. I would imagine a physiotherapist, a sports medicine doctor, and an orthopedic surgeon could all benefit him in his recovery.
    • And a bracing specialist can assist him in choosing a stabilizing brace while he heals
  • Do a hockey related injury usually result in surgery or can it be "healed" with physiotherapy ?
    • I think that, as with most injuries, it depends on the nature. If the patient has an ACL tear they will require surgery. Patients that have injured the ligament but not torn it can often regain their mobility through physiotherapy
  • A visit to a sports medicine doctor may be necessary and I'm sure an MRI will be in order. In the meantime, lots of stretching and a knee brace. Anti inflammatory may also be helpful.
    • Stretching and ice can go a long way in recovery for many muscle/ligament injuries.
    • Indeed Kimberley, all too often people with injuries feel they should restrain from activity when they are injured, thus resulting in prolonged recovery. It is important to check with your doctor to make sure the injury you have would benefit from continued activity versus those where it is important to keep the injury immobilized.
    • A physiotherapist can also help with exercises the strengthen balance so as not to favour the injured side, causing future issues.
    • I think one of the most important things to remember is that while you must rest and take care of an injured joint, you must also exercise it to aid in healing
  • Knee braces are quite beneficial post surgery in mobilizing the joint while it heals
    • After surgery what is the typical amount of time one would need to wear a knee brace ?
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