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Knee Joint Capsule Tear
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How it Happens
What is it?
The most common mechanisms of injury to the knee capsule are a hyperextension injury (contact or non-contact), direct trauma to the knee, and noncontact force to the knee and\or any MCL or PCL tears.
The articular capsule of the knee joint (commonly referred to as capsular ligament) is wide and lax; thin in front and at the side; and contains the patella ("knee cap"), ligaments, menisci, and bursae. The capsule consists of a fibrous membrane separated by fatty deposits anteriorly and posteriorly.
Signs & Symptoms
The majority of knee capsule injuries occur in combination with another ligament injury, such as a cruciate ligament tear. This can make the diagnosis difficult and calls for the use of plain film radiographs and MRI to aid in the diagnosis. During the physical exam, it is imperative to assess a patient for signs of nerve injury. Numbness, tingling, and/or dorsiflexor muscle weakness all may suggest possible nerve damage
Patients often complain of pain and instability at the joint. With concurrent nerve injuries, patients may experience numbness, tingling and weakness of the ankle dorsiflexors.
Anterior & Posterior Views
How to Correct it
Conservative treatment relies on immobilizing the knee in full extension to allow the stretched or torn ligaments to heal. It is imperative that the patient keep the knee immobilized and are do not bear weight on the joint for 3 to 4 weeks. The patient can begin exercises to improve range of motion and begin bearing weight on crutches only. The crutches can be discontinued when the patient can walk without limping Pain or instability continue, the patient should be reevaluated for surgical treatment.