| MultiCare Orthopedics & Sports Medicine |
Knee
The knee is the largest joint in our bodies and the joint most likely to be injured. It’s a complex joint made of four bones: the femur, the tibia and the fibula, and the patella, which is the knee cap. This series of bones and the ligaments and tendons that support them allow us to bend and straighten the leg with
power, plus there is a slight rotational aspect. In some athletic activities, the knee is especially vulnerable to injuries from impact or overuse.
The knee bears our body weight and helps manage impact from things like running, jumping, and going up and down stairs or hills. Damage to the strong tendons that support the knees can make these activities painful, if not impossible. In addition, arthritis in the knee can cause swelling and pain that causes limited function.
Common problems with the knee
Injury
- ACL tears
- PCL tears
- Meniscal tears
- Dislocated knee caps
Aging
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Dislocated knee caps
Conditions
- "Runners Knee" or Patellofemural pain syndrome
- IT band syndrome
- Osgoods-Schlatter's Disease
- Osteochondral defects (OCD)
Diagnosis at MultiCare
Your initial appointment with a MultiCare orthopedic physician will include a full evaluation of your symptoms and recent activities. Establishing the source of the problem is the first step and will help determine your course of care. We may require x-rays, an MRI or a CT scan.
Treatment at MultiCare
MultiCare physicians are experienced in a wide range of treatment options for knee pain, injury and aging, which might include:
- Ligament and cartilage repair and reconstruction
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair
- Steriod and viscous supplement injections
- Partial or full joint replacement
Back in Action - A Patient's Story
High school athlete Jennifer knew that her knee injury was serious. Jennifer’s family took her to MultiCare Orthopedics & Sports Medicine for her surgery. Today, Jennifer is back in action on both the track and the soccer field. And her knee? It’s as good as new.
Laurel and Her Torn ACL - A Patient's Story
A torn ACL sent snowboarding, running and soccer enthusiast Laurel to MultiCare Orthopedics and Sports Medicine because of their reputation for excellence in the kind of care she needed.
