The patella (kneecap) is a small, triangular bone located at the front of your knee. It is a vital component in the knee joint, providing protection to the joint, and helping with knee extension when you straighten your leg (think walking, running, jumping). Variations in Patella Shape While most patellae share a similar shape, there…
The knee’s stability relies on crucial connections between bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Each structure is essential because, collectively, they enable us to move and carry out daily activities. One important part of the knee is the postero-lateral corner (PLC). The PLC refers to a complex of structures on the back and outer side…
The Basics of Revision ACL Reconstruction Each year, the orthopaedic surgeons at Banff Sport Medicine carry out approximately 600 Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstructions due to torn ACLs. The ACL is the main stabilizing ligament in the knee and it’s also the most commonly injured, especially in patients that participate in pivoting and cutting sports…
The kneecap (patella) normally moves up and down in a groove at the front of the knee joint, known as the trochlear groove. Several tendons and ligaments hold and support the kneecap in place. When the patella dislocates, it pops or slides out of this groove, usually to the outside of the knee (laterally). A…
The SHYFT Research Study: SHould You transFer the Tubercle? Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a successful operation used to stabilize the kneecap in patients with patellar instability. MPFL reconstruction uses one of your tendons to reconstruct the injured ligament that attaches to your kneecap. Traditional treatment of patellar instability has often included moving the…
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four major ligaments of the knee. The other ligaments are the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
We’re recruiting! Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery is the gold standard treatment for an injured or torn ACL in people with symptomatic knee instability (i.e. a common feeling like the knee is buckling or “giving way”). Several studies have estimated a high rate of a second ACL injury in active young individuals even after…
A High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is a type of ‘joint preservation’ surgery that involves cutting the shin bone (tibia) to change the alignment of the knee. It is used to improve symptoms of osteoarthritis by offloading weight from arthritic cartilage inside the knee with the aim of preventing a future knee replacement surgery. In some…
In a recent OrthoEvidence, OEInsights Article, the authors outline four critical factors that influence a patient’s recovery after ACL injury.
If you’ve mastered the #Knees4Skis 8 Essential Exercises to Help Reduce Knee Injury and you’re looking to add more exercises – here are 3 more recommended by our experts Dr. Mark Heard, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Banff Sport Medicine, and Lynne Richardson, Physiotherapist at the Rocky Mountain Rehab & Sports Medicine Clinic.
In this presentation, Dr. Laurie Hiemstra, Banff Sport Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Sarah Kerslake MSc BPhty, discuss the main types of surgery used to treat patients with patellar instability (aka a dislocating / unstable kneecap), as well as physiotherapy and bracing considerations.
Menisci are a type of cartilage inside the knee joint. Their main function is to equally distribute the force placed on the knee, stabilize the knee during movements, and offer more fluid movements.
