Injuries of knee extensor mechanism among Egyptian basketball players

Abstract EN

Thirty highest level basketball players (20 males and 10 females) as well as 15 healthy volunteers (11 males and 4 females) were clinically examined as well as radiographic and ultrasonographic assessment of knee extensor mechanism, to find out the incidence of stress injuries of the knee extensor mechanism and their predisposing factors in Egyptian players.

Radiographic examination of knee included anteroposterior view (for patellar position), lateral view: Blackburn and Peel index and Insall/Salvati ratio (patellar height), and patellofemoral view: lateral, sulcus, and congruence angles (patellar subluxation).

The means of the groups were within normal limits with no significant difference between them, however, diagnosis of patella alia or infra could be made for individual cases as well as diagnosis of chondromalacia and Osgood Schlatter's disease.

Ultrasound of the knee to assess: (1) patellar ligament (length, thickness, echogenicity, outline, laxity, and periligamentous abnormal echoes), (2) patellar margins, articular surface, and echodensity, and (3) diagnosis and grading of chondromalacia patellae as well as examination of lower femur and upper tibia.

These parameters could diagnose site of injury and its extent.

We found that repeated jumping and repetitive stress of basketball training predisposed players to injuries of knee extensor mechanism.

Pain was directly related to injury and its site helped diagnose the cause.

Pivots and tall players were more prone to injuries especially those with longer duration of playing and an early start at a young age, also those with patella alta.

Ultrasound proved very valuable in early and precise diagnosis of chondromalacia patellae and patellar tendinitis which may be due to landing and take-off of jumping, respectively, as well as quadriceps tendinitis.

Players with childhood Osgood Schlatter's disease were more prone to injuries.