Stability of the Knee: Management of Common Ligamentous Pathology
Presented by Dan Rhon
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A well-focused history and physical examination is the key to properly assessing impairments of stability in the knee. Injury to the ligamentous structures in the knee joint is common with acute traumatic knee injuries. This can significantly compromise the stability and integrity of the joint, leading to high levels of impairment and increased risk for development of degenerative joint disease. Concluding this course, conducted by Dr. Rhon, will give you a better understanding of the role that cruciate and collateral ligaments play in function and stability. You will be able to accurately articulate the most common patterns of knee ligament injury, and have a better understanding of the appropriate components of a comprehensive and clinically relevant physical examination of the knee.
Meet your instructor
Dan Rhon
Dr. Dan Rhon is a clinician, active researcher, and assistant professor at Baylor University in Texas. He received an MPT and DSc through Baylor University and then a DPT through Temple University. He attended a manual therapy clinical fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, is a fellow in the American Academy of…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Ligamentous Structures of the Knee
We'll review the anatomical structure of the patellofemoral joint and peri-patellar structures. Specific focus will be set on the patellofemoral joint, and its role during flexion and extension of the tibiofemoral joint.
2. Epidemiology and Etiology of Ligamentous Injuries of the Knee
This chapter will cover the epidemiology and etiology of injuries to all 4 ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), to include prevalence and high risk populations.
3. Subjective Evaluation of Patients with Ligamentous Instability of the Knee
Dr. Rhon will cover the subjective examination of the patient with suspected ligamentous instability of the knee. The subjective approach is very important, as it helps you plan your objective exam. Your interviewing skills are key as you attempt to identify the problem as it is most relevant to the patient, and understand how historical variables and current symptoms play into the diagnosis and prognosis.
4. Objective Evaluation of Patients with Ligamentous Instability of the Knee
In this chapter we will cover the objective examination of the patient with anterior knee pain. The objective exam serves as a tool to help strengthen the initial hypotheses that was established in regards to the patient’s complaint. A physical examination of the direct and indirect structures of the knee, and their association with pain and function, can help the clinician determine an appropriate diagnosis and course of treatment, as well as establish a prognosis for recovery.
5. The Role of Diagnostic Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management of Instability of the Knee
This chapter reviews the current evidence for the role of diagnostic imaging in the diagnosis of knee instability. We'll have to specifically look at the diagnostic value of radiographs, MRI, and CT-Scan for the assessment of ligamentous structures of the knee.
6. Overview of Effective Non-Surgical Interventions for Ligamentous Instability
In our final chapter we discuss • the current evidence for non-surgical treatments for ligamentous instability, broken down by medial/lateral instability and anterior/posterior instability. There is an entirely separate course focused on copers and non-copers in patients with ACL tears, and therefore this specific block of education will not focus on that.