This book describes Knee Disorders, Diagnosis and Treatment and Improvised Treatments
The knee is one of the largest and also the most complicated joint in the body.
The knee attaches the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia).
The smaller bone that passes alongside the tibia (fibula) and the kneecap (patella) are the other bones that make the knee joint.
Tendons attach the knee bones to the leg muscles that move the knee joint.
Ligaments connect the knee bones and give stability to the knee:
1. The anterior cruciate ligament prevents the femur from sliding backward on the tibia (or the tibia sliding forward on the femur).
2. The posterior cruciate ligament stops the femur from moving forward on the tibia (or the tibia from moving backward on the femur).
3. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments prevent the femur from sliding side to side.
Two C-shaped pieces of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci function as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia.
Many bursae or fluid-filled sacs assist the knee to move smoothly.

Frequent Knee Disorders
1. Chondromalacia patella (also called patellofemoral syndrome):
There is irritation of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap (patella), causing knee pain.
This is a frequent cause of knee pain in young people.
2. Knee osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis is the most frequent form of arthritis, and often involves the knees.
Produced by aging and wear and tear of cartilage, osteoarthritis symptoms may be knee pain, stiffness, and swelling.
3. Knee effusion:
Fluid builds up inside the knee, normally from inflammation or gout.
Any form of arthritis or injury may produce a knee effusion.
4. Meniscal tear:
Damage to a meniscus, the cartilage that pillows the knee, often happens with twisting the knee.
Large tears may induce the knee to lock.
5. ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) strain or tear:
The ACL accounts for a large part of the knee's stability.
An ACL tear often causes the knee to give out, and may need surgical repair.
6. PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) strain or tear:
PCL tears can produce pain, swelling, and knee instability.
These injuries are less frequent than ACL tears, and physical therapy (rather than surgery) is normally the best treatment.
7. MCL (medial collateral ligament) strain or tear:
This injury may produce pain and possible instability to the inner side of the knee.
8. Patellar subluxation:
The kneecap subluxes abnormally or dislocates along the thigh bone during activity.
Knee pain around the kneecap happens.
9. Patellar tendonitis:
There is inflammation of the tendon joining the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone.
This happens mostly in athletes from repeated jumping.
10. Knee bursitis:
Pain, swelling, and warmth occur in any of the bursae of the knee.
Bursitis often happens from overuse or injury.
11. Baker's cyst:
Collection of fluid occurs in the bursa in the back of the knee.
Baker's cysts normally form from a persistent effusion as in disorders such as arthritis.
12. Rheumatoid arthritis:
This is an autoimmune disorder that can cause arthritis in any joint, such as the knees.
If untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can produce permanent joint damage.
13. Gout:
Gout is a form of arthritis produced by buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint.
The knees may be involved, producing episodes of severe pain and swelling.
14. Pseudo gout:
This is a form of arthritis similar to gout, produced by calcium pyrophosphate crystals depositing in the...