A sudden change in running direction, an uncontrolled twist of the knee, landing after a jump, or contact with another player are among the most common situations leading to knee joint injuries.
Pain, swelling, a feeling of instability, or the sensation that the knee is “giving way” may indicate, among others, damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the meniscus, or combined injuries to the structures responsible for stabilising the joint.
The anterior cruciate ligament is responsible for stabilising the knee joint and maintaining proper movement biomechanics — especially during dynamic twisting movements, changes in running direction, and sports activity. ACL injury is one of the most common injuries in sports orthopaedics and may affect not only the ability to return to sport, but also everyday functioning.
These types of injuries mainly affect physically active people — footballers, skiers, basketball players, volleyball players, runners, as well as patients who practise sport recreationally.
In many cases, such an injury requires specialist diagnostics, treatment, and properly planned rehabilitation.
Paweł Bąkowski, MD, PhD — Specialist in Knee Injury Treatment and Sports Orthopaedics
At the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the Musculoskeletal System at KCM Clinic, knee joint injuries are treated by Paweł Bąkowski, MD, PhD — a specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology of the musculoskeletal system, with many years of experience in treating lower limb injuries in physically active patients.
Paweł Bąkowski, MD, PhD has been treating sports injuries and knee joint conditions for many years — both in professional athletes and in people who train recreationally.
He has gained his experience through cooperation with the sports community, providing medical care for athletes from sports clubs, including football players of Lech Poznań.
His particular areas of interest include:
- ACL reconstruction,
- treatment of meniscus injuries,
- arthroscopic knee surgery,
- treatment of overload and post-traumatic injuries of the lower limb,
- sports orthopaedics.
ACL and Meniscus — Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Not every knee injury requires surgical treatment. The decision regarding further management depends, among other factors, on the type of injury, the patient’s age, level of physical activity, and expectations related to returning to sport and everyday functioning.
The basis of diagnosis remains an orthopaedic consultation and appropriately selected imaging tests.
Advanced diagnostics, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), are performed at Omega Diagnostic Imaging, which allows further treatment to be planned efficiently.
In selected cases, surgical treatment may be necessary, including knee arthroscopy.
Arthroscopy allows for a very precise assessment of intra-articular structures, including the ACL and meniscus. In many situations, it is also possible to treat the injury during the same procedure, without the need for another operation.
Minimally invasive techniques make it possible to limit surgical intervention while maintaining high treatment precision.
Rehabilitation After ACL Reconstruction
Effective ACL treatment does not end with surgery.
A key element of the recovery process is properly conducted rehabilitation, including the gradual rebuilding of muscle strength, joint stability, neuromuscular control, and preparation for a safe return to physical activity.
The rehabilitation process takes place in stages — from gradually loading the limb, through restoring joint function, to functional training and preparation for returning to sport.
A return to full activity after ACL reconstruction usually takes 6 to 9 months and requires systematic cooperation between the patient and a team of specialists.
At KCM Clinic, services include, among others, orthopaedic rehabilitation and rehabilitation dedicated to athletes.
The rehabilitation programme is always individually adapted to the type of injury, the course of treatment, and the patient’s needs.
Do Not Ignore the Signals Your Knee Is Sending
Persistent pain, swelling, limited range of motion, or a feeling of instability should not be ignored.
Early diagnosis increases treatment options and allows a treatment plan to be developed sooner, with the aim of ensuring a safe return to everyday activity and sport.
ortopedia@kcmclinic.pl
+48 75 645 2022
The Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the Musculoskeletal System at KCM Clinic provides diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries, joint disorders, ligament and meniscus injuries, as well as qualification for arthroscopic procedures and joint replacement surgery.
