Unstable Knee

Mr. Arijit Ghosh, Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon, Leicester | Patient Info | Knee | Knee Conditions | Unstable Knee
Unstable Knee

What is an Unstable Knee?

The knee joint is one of the largest joints in the body. This highly complex joint has several tissues supporting and stabilizing its movement: 

  • Condyles and menisci: Bony protrusions of the thighbone called condyles fit snugly into the depressions of the lateral and medial menisci (spongy shock absorbers) of the shinbone.
  • Ligaments: These are bands of tissue that crisscross connecting the bone of the joint and holding them in place.
  • Capsules: This is tissue that connects the bones of the knee, by forming a sleeve over the joint.
  • Muscles: They provide secondary stability.

Causes of an Unstable Knee

Damage to any of these supportive structures can cause instability of the knee joint. An unstable knee can be caused by the sudden twisting of the knee, tears of the meniscus, ligament or capsule, osteoarthritis of the knee (wear and tear of the cushioning cartilage tissue between the bones) and sports injuries. When these tissues get injured, the patella or kneecap can move out of its groove in the knee joint and lead to instability. 

Symptoms of an Unstable Knee

An unstable knee causes pain, swelling, stiffness and a tendency of the joint to buckle or give way. 

Diagnosis of an Unstable Knee

When you present with these symptoms, we can diagnose knee instability by performing a thorough physical examination to test the stability of each ligament and may also order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of an Unstable Knee

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Initially, Mr Ghosh may recommend conservative treatments such as rest, ice application, compression and elevation of your leg (R.I.C.E.), physical therapy and possibly the use of braces. Pain relieving medications may be prescribed for symptomatic relief. 

However, if these conservative treatments yield an unsatisfactory response, surgical correction may be recommended. Considering the type and severity of an injury, Mr Ghosh will advise on the surgical repair or reconstruction of the joint.

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