Sports Injuries of the Knee

Dr Seng Chusheng, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Sports & Exercise Medicine)
Dr Seng Chusheng
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Sports-related knee injuries refer to damage affecting the knee joint and its supporting structures as a result of physical activity. These injuries may involve ligaments, cartilage, tendons, or bone and can influence knee stability and performance. Read more below:

Knee injuries pose a significant challenge for athletes and active individuals. Whether caused by high-impact sports or repetitive strain, knee issues can disrupt both performance and daily life. At our clinic, we understand the demands of your active lifestyle and provide focused care to address sports-related knee injuries, helping to alleviate pain and support recovery.

Common Sports-related Knee Injuries

Injuries can occur due to sudden impacts, overuse, or improper movement. Some of the most common sports-related knee injuries include:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears

Common in high-impact sports, ACL tears often require surgical intervention and months of rehabilitation.

Meniscus Tears

A tear in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, often caused by sudden twisting or overuse.

Knee Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. It is particularly common in sports that require kneeling or frequent impact.

Knee Dislocation

This injury occurs when the bones of the knee joint are displaced, which can damage ligaments and other structures. It requires immediate medical attention.

Kneecap Dislocation

This occurs when the kneecap slips out of its vertical groove, leading to pain and instability in the knee.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)

Pain behind or around the kneecap, typically caused by overuse, weak muscles, or improper alignment.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

An overuse injury that causes pain on the outside of the knee, where the iliotibial (IT) band rubs against the bone. It often affects runners and cyclists.

Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee)

An overuse injury causing pain and inflammation in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone.

Patella Fractures

Fractures of the kneecap can occur due to direct trauma, falls, or sudden impacts, often resulting in severe pain and limited mobility.

Without proper care, these injuries can lead to long-term complications or chronic pain, which may prevent you from engaging in your usual sports activities.

How Are Sports-related Knee Injuries Diagnosed?

Diagnosing these injuries involves physical examinations and imaging tests to determine the nature of your injury. This includes:

Physical Examination

A thorough assessment of your knee's range of motion, strength, and stability.

Imaging Tests

X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are used to get a detailed view of the knee's internal structure.

Specialised Tests

In some cases, an arthroscopy may be recommended to examine the inside of the knee and confirm the diagnosis.

Early diagnosis enables your orthopaedic doctor to develop a targeted treatment plan that addresses your specific needs, whether you are an active individual or a professional athlete.

Dr Seng Chusheng explaining a knee joint model to a patient during an orthopaedic consultation.

How Are Sports-related Knee Injuries Treated?

Treatment varies based on the severity and type of injury. Our clinic offers a range of surgical options tailored to your needs:

  • Knee Arthroscopy

    This minimally invasive procedure uses a small camera to examine and repair damaged tissues, including cartilage and ligaments. It is commonly used for meniscus repairs, cartilage repair (chondroplasty), and ligament reconstructions.

  • Ligament Reconstruction

    For injuries like ACL or PCL tears, arthroscopic reconstruction is performed to restore knee stability. This includes ACL Reconstruction, PCL Reconstruction, and Multiligament Knee Reconstruction for more severe or complex injuries.

  • Meniscal Surgery

    Depending on the extent of damage, the meniscus may be repaired (Meniscal Repair), partially removed (Partial Meniscectomy), or replaced with a donor meniscus (Meniscal Transplant), helping to restore knee function and prevent long-term issues.

  • Chondroplasty

    This procedure focuses on repairing damaged cartilage to preserve knee function and facilitate the athlete's return to physical activity.

Tailored Recovery for Lasting Results

Recovery from a knee injury is not just about treating the symptoms but addressing the underlying causes to prevent future injury. At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, our recovery plans are customised to fit your specific injury, athletic demands, and lifestyle. We work with you every step of the way to ensure optimal results:

Physical Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy sessions are prescribed to strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve flexibility, and restore balance.

Gradual Return to Sports

A phased approach to ensure you are ready to resume physical activities without risking re-injury.

Ongoing Support

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your recovery plan.

If knee pain is holding you back from your favourite sports and activities, it is time to take action. Book a consultation with Dr Seng today at 9711 8888 to explore your treatment options and get back to doing what you love.

About Dr Seng Chusheng

Dr Seng Chusheng, Sports Orthopaedic Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Sports & Exercise Medicine)
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Dr Seng Chusheng is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Axis Orthopaedic Centre, specialising in foot and ankle surgery. His expertise includes minimally invasive bunion correction, complex foot and ankle fracture fixation, keyhole ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than a thousand surgeries and manages a broad range of conditions, including general orthopaedic trauma and sport-related knee injuries.

Dr Seng received advanced fellowship training at the Assal Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on complex deformities, trauma and minimally invasive techniques. Before entering private practice, he served as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Singapore General Hospital and continues as a visiting consultant. His dedication to patient care has been recognised with the SingHealth Service With A Heart Award. Actively involved in research and education, Dr Seng regularly presents at local and international conferences and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing orthopaedic practice.

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Our Orthopaedic Clinic Locations

With three conveniently located clinics across Singapore, Dr Seng provides accessible and comprehensive orthopaedic care closer to where you live and work. Each location is equipped to deliver accurate diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Mount Elizabeth Novena Medical Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road,
#06-33
Singapore 329563
Parkway East Medical Centre
319 Joo Chiat Place,
#04-08
Singapore 427989
Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A
820 Thomson Road,
#03-08
Singapore 574623

Teleconsult Available

For foreign patients, a tele-consult on Zoom or WhatsApp can be done if pre-arranged in advance. Please email or WhatsApp first to enquire.

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