Orthopedic disease and sports medicine related to lower limbs

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2011;54(7):715-724

Publication date (electronic) : 2011 July 13

doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2011.54.7.715

Joon Ho Wang, MD ¹, Ju Seon Jeong, MD ¹, Won Hah Park, MD ²

¹Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

²Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Corresponding author: Won Hah Park, wonhah.park@samsung.com

Received 2011 May 12; Accepted 2011 May 24.

Abstract

In this study, the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of common lower limb injuries during the sports activities were presented. Sports injuries of the lower limbs are the most common injuries in the sports medicine field due to the high level of use of the lower limbs during sports activities. The common causes of leg injuries in athletes are traumatic force over the critical limit of normal tissue, repetitive microtrauma, and overuse. Common hip and pelvis problems encountered by the authors include trochanteric bursitis, snapping hip syndrome, and labral tears. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments, and meniscus have been most frequently involved in sports injuries affecting the knees. Lateral ankle sprain represents one of common injuries in the athletic population. Common overuse injuries are tendinopathies, stress fractures, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, and shin splints. Athletic activity provides a variety of positive benefits to participants' health. To safely continue those activities, an injury prevention program focusing on injuries that may occur in specific sports activities is recommended for participants. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are also important in promoting prompt recovery and preventing secondary injuries.

Keywords: Lower limb; Sports injury; Overuse syndrome; Stress fracture

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Figure 1

(A) This arthroscopic view of posteromedial compartment was from anterolateral portal via intercondylar notch. The posterior horn of medial meniscus (MM) was detached from the posterior capsule (PC). (B) This arthroscopic view of posteromedial compartment was from posteromedial portal. The gab between the posterior horn of MM and the PC was obliterated by meniscus suture using all inside suture technique. (C) This arthroscopic view of posteromedial compartment was from anterolateral portal via intercondylar notch. Meniscus tear between the posterior horn of MM and the PC was healed completely and absorbable suture material was not visible 13 months after repair. FC, medial femoral condyle.

Figure 2

(A) Anterior cruciate ligament was torn at femoral insertion site. Only remnant tissue (R) of anterior cruciate ligament was attached to the roof of intercondylar notch. The footprint of femoral insertion site of anterior cruciate ligament (arrowheads) was exposed. (B) Anterior cruciate ligament was reconstructed using double bundle technique with sextuple hamstring authograft tendon. Anteromedial bundle (AM) and posterolateral bundle (PL) were visible. P, posterior cruciate ligament; LFC, lateral femoral condyle.