1. The Knee: Anatomy & injury prevention
Renee Chambers
High School athletes

2. Why to be concerned as an athlete
You use your knees for everything!
Too common
you can injure yourself anytime
Better understanding = better injury prevention
The knee is a complex joint

3. What do you think the most common cause of knee injuries?

4. walking Sports, exercise Leisure, hobby Household chores Working
Passenger
walking

5. Bone structure of the knee
-Femur
-tibia
-fibula
-patella

7. Need to know terms Meniscus- disc-shaped pieces of cartilage
Ligament- connects bone to bone
Tendon- connects muscle to bone
Articular cartilage- cartilage between bones

8. Have you ever had a knee injury?
Do you know someone who has?

9. Common injuries
ACL tear
Meniscus tear
“Unhappy triad”

10. ACL Tear Recovery time ≈ 6 months Causes/ predispositions: Recovery:
Femur
Recovery time ≈ 6 months
Causes/ predispositions:
Getting hit from behind
Stopping too short
Going down steps too quickly
Being female
Recovery:
Surgery
Physical therapy
ACL
Tibia

11. Meniscus Tear Recovery time varies on severity Causes: Recovery
Improper landing technique
Excessive torsion stress
Recovery
Discontinuing activity
Surgery
Physical Therapy
Medial Meniscus
Lateral Meniscus

12. Types of meniscus tears

13. “Unhappy Triad” Recovery time ≈ 6 months
More pain associated with this injury
Result of Tearing the ACL, MCL, and Medial meniscus

14. How can I prevent injuries?

15. Safe Playing Habits
While participating in a sport/recreational activity:
Remember to tackle ABOVE the knee
If injury is suspected: STOP PLAYING
Avoid the, “Hey guys, watch this!” phenomenon

16. Stretching Indirectly related to previous structures
Avoids overcompensation
Better flexibility= safer muscles

17. Awareness Simple awareness can play the largest key in prevention:
Ask yourself:
Did it hurt last time?
Is this safe?
Is the landing area reliable?

18. Proper footwear Can make or break an athlete
What to take into consideration:
Terrain
Cleats vs. spikes vs. sneakers vs. turf shoes vs spinning shoes vs etc.
Are you an under-pronator or over pronator?

19. Under Vs. Over Pronator

20. Take away Message Some injuries ARE 100% preventable
Some injuries are inevitable
Follow protocols on recovery
Be smart, safe, and HAVE FUN!