Case Study Assignment 1

While volunteering at a local orthopedic center, you happen to overhear a doctor teaching his students about injuries. In an anecdote, the doctor describes scenario of an observation of a Patient Y's knee.  Patient Y suffered a knee accident a few years ago, and had to be transported at that time on a stretcher due to great pain. He is now very cautious and wants to take all precautions so as to avoid future arthritis, surgeries and possible total knee replacement. Patient Y is presently not on any medication, and healthy in all other ways. When the injury occurred a few years ago, an MRI indicated a partially torn ACL, which through physical therapy, and other self-healing procedures got better. Presently, because he is experiencing symptom of an unstable knee, he cannot run; also, he often feels some discomfort when he swims a lot.

Questions 1-3

Based on the information above, your knowledge thus far, as well as your diligence, answer the following

1. Describe the two major types of ligaments, collateral and cruciate, in the knee, and explain the function(s) of each.

2. In a few sentences, explain why you think Patient Y experiences the pain he experiences when he swims a lot.

3. Why is muscle tone the most important stabilizing factor for most joints?