In my role as an Occupational Therapist with Advantage Injury Management Services, we see various types of knee injuries which can occur with clients from a range of industries. Below is some information on the types of injuries we commonly see and how Advantage Injury Management Services is able to assist someone return to work following a knee injury.

Knee Anatomy

As with any joint in the body the knee consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. The knee joint is a hinge type joint that permits slight rotation. The mechanism of the injury determines what structures of the knee are damaged.

Types of Knee injuries

There are various mechanisms with which knee injuries occur and the common injuries we see include fractures, dislocations, sprains and tears.

• Meniscal injuries – can occur due to twisting or squatting under weight bearing.
• Anterior cruciate ligament injuries – occurs when the there is a rapid change in direction or landing incorrectly when jumping.
• Posterior cruciate ligament injuries
• Tendon tears – injuries to quadriceps and patellar tendons.
• Dislocations – occurs when the bones are out of place.
• Fractures of patellar, distal femur or proximal tibia – usually caused by high impact injuries

Functional Implications

From my experience and the obvious restrictions someone with a knee injury may have includes difficulties with prolonged standing or walking, some prefer to alternate between sitting and standing, inability/difficulties with squatting or kneeling, difficulties with lifting from the floor, difficulties with negotiating stairs.

At Advantage Injury Management Services we are able to assist by gaining a good understanding of the restrictions of a person’s injury and what their role involves in order to assist with their return to work rehabilitation. A client with a knee injury who is required to predominately sit for their work duties e.g. office worker, truck driver, is very different to a client who may be on their feet for their role e.g. retail, construction workers. Also, if a client is required to squat or kneel for their role, for example, a nurse, labourers, mechanics. We have experience with providing recommendations that fit with a range of industries, whether this includes suitable duties with their employer or suitable duties with a host employer if required.

Clients with knee injuries may also benefit from hydrotherapy and gym-based programs which our Exercise Physiologists are able to assist with.

If you would like more information about the services mentioned above or any of our other services, please do not hesitate to contact us today!

Blog – Varsha Prasad (Occupational Therapist)