MOVEMENT & ACTIVITY
Sports knee injuries
Sports injury assessment in Manchester and Cheshire for knee pain, swelling, instability and injuries in adults and adolescents.
Understand the injury.
A sports knee injury can cause pain, swelling, locking, catching or a feeling that the knee may give way. Assessment considers how the injury happened, your symptoms, examination findings and any appropriate imaging.
- Meniscal tears and cartilage injuries
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
- Kneecap instability and tracking concerns
- Patellar and quadriceps tendon injuries
Treatment matched to the problem.
Non-operative care
Physiotherapy, rehabilitation, strength work and adjustments to activity may form part of treatment. The plan depends on the diagnosis and what you hope to return to.
Surgical options
Selected problems may be treated with meniscal repair, partial meniscectomy, cartilage procedures, kneecap stabilisation or tendon repair. Joint preservation options may include high tibial osteotomy.
Knee arthroscopy options
Knee arthroscopy is keyhole surgery using a small camera and instruments. It may be appropriate for a specific injury after assessment; it is not a routine treatment for arthritic knee pain.
Meniscal repair
Where a tear is suitable, stitching the meniscus aims to retain its cushioning tissue. Healing depends on the tear and tissue quality. Rehabilitation may include restrictions on weight-bearing and knee bending.
Partial meniscectomy
If repair is unsuitable, selected tears may be treated by trimming the damaged part while retaining as much meniscus as possible. Not every tear benefits from surgery.
Cartilage and osteochondral problems
The size, location and stability of a defect guide whether an arthroscopic procedure is appropriate. The specific technique, alternatives and rehabilitation are discussed before treatment.
Recovery and risks
Recovery depends on the procedure. A repair can need more protection than trimming. Risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, stiffness, nerve or vessel injury, persistent symptoms and further surgery.
NICE advises against arthroscopic washout or debridement for osteoarthritis. Identifying a treatable injury is different from promising to “clean out” arthritis.
Returning to activity
The rehabilitation plan depends on the injury and treatment. Progress is guided by movement, strength and function, with advice on a gradual return to activity. Recovery times vary, particularly where tissue has been repaired and needs protection while it heals.
Your questions
Do all meniscal tears need surgery?
No. Your assessment helps determine whether rehabilitation or an operation is appropriate.
Is arthroscopy a treatment for arthritis?
Arthroscopy is not offered simply to wash out or debride an osteoarthritic knee. NICE advises against this. A specific injury requires its own assessment.
Can I arrange an appointment for my teenager?
Children’s and adolescent consultations are available from age 3 at The Alexandra Hospital only. Use the children’s booking route.
Joint preservation & knee injections
Explore steroid, PRP, viscosupplement and Arthrosamid hydrogel injections, rehabilitation and selected joint-preserving procedures.
APPOINTMENTS
Arrange your consultation.
Private adult consultations across Manchester & Cheshire.