Knee Conditions
Knee Conditions
Dr Jason Ward provides assessment and treatment for all knee conditions in his rooms across Adelaide and South Australia. Contact his clinics to book an appointment.
There are many knee conditions that an orthopaedic surgeon may encounter.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the most common ones.
Common Knee Conditions in Adelaide
- Osteoarthritis
This is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the knee wears down over time.
- Patellar tracking disorder
This occurs when the patella does not move smoothly in its groove in the knee joint, causing pain and instability.
- Patellar tendinitis
This is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia).
- Bursitis
This is an inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint.
- Chondromalacia patella
This is a condition in which the cartilage on the under-surface of the kneecap softens and wears away, causing pain and stiffness.
- Knee bony fractures
Traumatic injuries to the knee joint can cause fractures of the patella, tibial plateau, femur, or fibula.
- Knee dislocation
A traumatic injury to the knee can cause the bones to move out of alignment, causing a knee dislocation.
- Synovitis
This is an inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joint, causing pain and swelling.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the lining of the joints, including the knee joint.
- Ligament tear
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) are all important ligaments that help stabilise the knee joint. Tears can occur due to trauma or sports injuries.
- Meniscal tear
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilises the knee joint. Tears can occur due to trauma or wear and tear.
- Gout
This is a form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joint, causing inflammation and pain.
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
This is a condition that affects young athletes and causes pain and swelling below the knee, where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia.
- Osteonecrosis
This is a condition in which the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, causing the bone tissue to die.
- Osteochondritis dissecans
This is a condition in which a piece of cartilage and underlying bone become detached from the knee joint, causing pain and stiffness.
Dr Jason Ward, Adelaide Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon
Treatments vary depending on the diagnosis and cause of your condition. Dr Jason Ward provides individualised conservative and surgical management options suited to a range of conditions affecting the knee.