DESCRIPTION
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Arthroscopy
PT IMPLICATIONS
(click here to see references)
- Knee ACD are mainly trauma-related injuries to the hyaline cartilage. the direct trauma is most often the result of a shearing force to the knee which may occur in sports, falls, MVA, or work injuries. Repetitive microtrauma due to overuse may also be a cause of ACD.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Patients may complain of activity related knee pain, chronic swelling/effusion, joint line tenderness, and episodes of catching or locking.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Arthroscopy
- ACD are most commonly found with this device.
- MRI/CT scans are used to determine possibility of osteochondral damage and soft-tissue derangement.
PT IMPLICATIONS
- Orthopedic surgeon referral should be made if patients presents with an inability to achieve full ROM (red flag).
- Surgical interventions is favored because of the poor healing capacity of the hyaline cartilage and concern for the early onset of OA.
(click here to see references)