knee (ligamentous problems)

Last reviewed 01/2018

It is often stated that the knee is badly "designed" because the ligaments are frequently damaged but this may say more about our recreational habits than the inherent nature of the joint.

The ligaments of the knee may be damaged when:

• the tibia and femur are forcibly angulated or rotated upon each other
• activities that are associated ligament problems include football, skiing and gymnastics
• trauma e.g. road traffic accidents are a common cause of ligamentous damage