Patella Baja or patella infera is an abnormally low lying patella [compare with patella alta, the high riding patella]. It is associated with a restricted range of motion, crepitations, and retropatellar pain. Patella baja could be congenital, acquired, or a combination of the two is commonly encountered in total knee arthroplasty. Any cause that would lead to […]
Lower Limb
Patella Alta Causes, Presentation and Treatment
Patella alta, or a high riding patella, is a situation where the position of the patella is considered high in relation to distal femur. It may be idiopathic or may result secondary to an injury or disease process. The patella is up and above the knee joint instead of a normal position in the groove. As […]
Patellar Height Measurement – Insall Salvati, Blackburne-Peel and Caton-Deschamps Indices
Patellar height measurement becomes important in the diagnosis of patella alta and patella baja. Patella alta is a condition where the patella is high riding than its normal position. Patella baja refers to low lying position of the patella. Both conditions have been discussed separately. Measurement of patellar height can confirm or rule out the […]
Lower Limb Orthoses – Components and Functions
Lower limb orthoses are advised for a variety of dysfunctions of the lower limb. Most of the lower limb orthoses use prefabricated components which are made of either stainless steel or aluminum. Stainless steel is more durable but aluminum is lighter. Below Knee Orthoses Below knee orthosis has a primary function of controlling ankle joint. It […]
Genu Varum or Bow Legs Causes and Treatment
This gives the limb an overall the appearance of an archer’s bow. This condition may present from infancy through adulthood and has a variety of causes. The problem may be unilateral which would result in functional leg length discrepancy or bilateral. It is interesting to note that almost all babies are born bow-legged. By the time […]
Components of Orthopedic Shoes
Shoe serves a variety of functional and cosmetic purposes. For the individual with an orthopedic disorder, footwear can be selected to minimize pressure on sensitive, deformed structures. Shoes can be modified to redistribute weight toward pain-free areas to improve the comfort and function of the foot, limb, and trunk. The shoe is also is the […]
Posterolateral Corner Injury of Knee
The posterolateral corner injury is commonly associated with anterior cruciate or posterior cruciate ligament injuries. Isolated injuries to posterolateral corner are rare. The injury usually occurs by a blow to the anteromedial knee, a varus blow to the flexed knee, hyperextension injuries and knee dislocation. Peroneal nerve injuries are commonly associated. Once referred to as […]
Genu Valgum Causes, Evaluation and Treatment
The term genu valgum or valgus knee is used to describe knock-knee deformity. Knock-knee deformity is commonly seen as-as a passing trait in otherwise healthy children but some individuals retain or develop this deformity due to hereditary, metabolic or other causes. As genu valgum is a normal physiologic process in children, therefore it is critical […]
Segond fracture and Reverse Segond Fracture
Segond fracture is a type of the lateral condyle of the tibia, immediately beyond its articular surface. It is a type of avulsion fracture. An avulsion fracture is a fracture that occurs due to soft tissue pull on the bone resulting in breakage of the chip of bone. In most of the cases, Segond fracture […]
Knee Dislocation Presentation and Treatment
Knee dislocation is a relatively rare injury, representing about 0.2% of all orthopedic injuries. Because of association with neural and vascular injury, is important to be recognized. A missed injury could lead to loss of limb. Motor vehicle collision or fall from height are usual causes. A dashboard injury resulting in axial load to the […]