June 9, 2017
If you’ve recently suffered a knee injury, you probably already know that the impact of such an injury can be very painful and frustrating. Knees are complex parts of the human body and each of these joints are responsible for bearing a great deal of weight. If you’ve been injured in an accident — whether it was a major car accident or a minor slip and fall accident — you could be facing a knee injury.
1. Fractures
The knee cap (also known as the patella) is typically the area of the knee that is damaged in a fracture. Fractures in other leg bones, such as the tibia, femur, or fibula, could also lead to pain in the knee. Fractures in the kneecap can be one of four different types: stable, displaced, comminuted, or open. These fractures can vary widely in their severity. A stable fracture, for example, could heal on its own with enough rest and care, while an open fracture (where a fragment of bone breaks through the skin) might never heal properly even after extensive surgery.
2. Tendon Tears and Ruptures
As a chiropractor Gaithersburg MD trusts can explain, there are two tendons surrounding the knee that are particularly susceptible to injury. These are the patellar tendon and the quadriceps tendon. When a tendon tears, it can take a long time for it to heal and surgery may even be necessary.
3. Meniscal Injuries
The meniscus cartilage is a band of tissue that sits between the femur and tibia bones. This tissue acts as a shock absorber between the two bones and it allows the knee to bend in one smooth motion without friction between the bones. If the meniscus is torn — either partially or completely — it can lead to a very painful injury. A small partial tear might heal on its own but a complete tear would likely require surgery and physical therapy to heal properly.
These are only a few of the more common knee injuries that accident victims may face. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you might be facing another type of knee injury that requires medical care. Even a minor knee injury can cause substantial pain and can severely limit your ability to function normally. Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a local lawyer to discuss your own case.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Pain & Arthritis Relief Center for their insight into knee injuries in personal injury cases.