Understanding Your Knee

Clear, honest information about knee injuries, treatment options, and what to expect — written for patients, not textbooks.

What is it?

How Does the Knee Work?

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Bones

3 Bones Meet Here

The knee joins the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). Together they allow bending, straightening, and slight rotation.

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Ligaments

The Stabilizers

Four major ligaments — ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL — hold the knee together. The ACL is most commonly injured in sports and sudden twisting movements.

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Meniscus

The Shock Absorber

Two C-shaped cartilage pads (menisci) cushion the knee joint, distribute weight, and reduce friction. Tears are common in athletes and older adults alike.

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Tendons

Muscle Connectors

Tendons connect muscles to bones. The patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon are critical for straightening the knee and are commonly used as graft sources in ACL surgery.

Common conditions

What Could Be Wrong?

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ACL Tear

A sudden pivot, jump, or contact injury can tear the ACL. You may hear a "pop," feel the knee give way, and experience rapid swelling. Very common in football, basketball, and skiing.

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Meniscus Tear

Twisting movements can tear the meniscus. Symptoms include pain along the joint line, swelling, and sometimes locking or clicking of the knee.

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Osteoarthritis

Wear-and-tear of the knee cartilage over time. Causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion — especially in the morning or after activity.

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Patellofemoral Pain

"Runner's knee" — pain around or behind the kneecap. Common in young, active people. Usually improves with physiotherapy and activity modification.

Treatment

What Happens Next?

Diagnosis & Imaging

Your doctor will examine the knee and order MRI or X-ray imaging to understand the injury clearly before recommending treatment.

Conservative Treatment (Non-surgical)

Many knee conditions improve with physiotherapy, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), anti-inflammatory medications, and bracing.

Surgical Options

If surgery is needed, most procedures are done arthroscopically (keyhole surgery). ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, and cartilage procedures are among the most common.

Rehabilitation

Recovery is a journey. A structured physiotherapy program — typically 6 to 9 months after ACL surgery — helps you return safely to sport or daily activities.

Return to Sport

Clearance to return to sport is based on strength tests, movement quality, and psychological readiness — not just time. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide this process.

FAQ

Your Questions, Answered

Not always. Non-surgical treatment with physiotherapy can be successful in less active patients or those with partial tears. However, athletes who wish to return to pivoting sports typically require surgical reconstruction.

Most patients return to sport between 9 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. The first 6 weeks focus on reducing swelling and regaining movement; the following months build strength and sport-specific skills.

A graft is a tendon used to replace the torn ACL. It can come from your own body (autograft — hamstring, patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, or peroneus longus) or from a donor (allograft). Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you.

Yes! Sporthopedia runs international multicenter studies on knee conditions. Participation involves your surgeon collecting standardized outcome data during your treatment — at no extra cost or risk to you. Contact us to learn more.

Have more questions?

Our network of orthopaedic surgeons is here to help. Reach out to find a participating surgeon near you or learn about our research studies.