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Basketball Injuries - Part 2 |
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Traumatic injuries to the knee occur frequently in basketball, and relate directly to the player's activities of running, twisting, and jumping.
One very common injury involves the meniscus, one of two major types of cartilage in the knee. The menisci are two disc-shaped wedges located between the tibia and femur that act as stabilizers and shock absorbers for the knee joint. Injury to the meniscus is typically a result of a twist or torsion to the knee. Pain, catching, or locking of the knee is often experienced with a meniscal tear.
Because of the poor blood circulation to this area, healing of a meniscal tear may not occur. When healing is delayed, or when the tear is severe, arthroscopic surgical intervention may be required to correct the dysfunction.
(See our web section on Knee Arthroscopy)
(See our web section on Meniscus Injuries)
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A more serious injury to the knee involves damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the four major ligaments found in the knee. This injury can occur as a result of a direct blow to the knee, or through non-contact mechanisms such as planting and cutting, a straight knee landing, or a player's sudden stop or deceleration. The injured athlete will often report hearing a loud pop at the time of injury, followed by swelling of the knee. An injury to more than one ligament is possible. Although this injury occurs in both male and female athletes, females are more likely to experience an ACL injury due to their biomechanical, anatomical, and physiological differences. These differences may include the size and shape of the groove where the ACL travels (intercondylar notch), pelvis size, hormones, and ligament laxity. |
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Initial care with an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours, and the use of a crutch to prevent further damage is advised. It is also vital for an athlete to be seen in a timely fashion by a trained medical professional, and referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for treatment. |
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In a very minor ACL sprain, conservative measures of rehabilitation and protective bracing may allow the athlete to return to the court. However, most incomplete or complete tears of the ACL will require surgical reconstruction. (See our web section on ACL Reconstruction) |
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Continue with Basketball Injuries - Part Three |
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