There is always a risk of joint injuries during childhood, sport or other everyday activities. Joint injuries are not always immediately apparent, but it is important to react early to avoid damage and permanent movement restrictions. However, most joint injuries cause pain.
Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for joint injuries.
The structure of the joints is very complicated depending on the range of movement and therefore also offers a variety of injury possibilities.
The joint-forming bones have thin layers of articular cartilage at their respective ends. Between these two joint surfaces is a narrow gap that allows movement - the so-called joint space. To prevent the joint cartilage surfaces from rubbing dry against each other, the joint space is filled with synovial fluid, the synovial fluid. This "synovial fluid" nourishes the cartilage and at the same time ensures that the joint remains mobile.
Joints are surrounded by a joint capsule that supports and protects the joint. Together with the joint and capsule ligaments, a complicated capsule-ligament apparatus is formed that stabilizes the joint and supports its function.
However, these highly complex systems are also susceptible to a wide range of damage.
Depending on the severity of the injury, the following four main types of joint injury are distinguished:
A special form of joint injury is articular cartilage injury. This can occur with contusions, dislocations or sprains. For example, small cartilage fragments on the kneecap are often observed in knee joint injuries.
Such cartilage fragments can also lead to increased wear of the cartilage surfaces later on in the joint. This can lead to joint arthrosis, for example.
Joint injuries are usually the result of external force, e.g. due to
In the case of very severe violence, such as in an accident, there are often also broken bones or bleeding.
Joint injuries are usually immediately recognizable due to the sudden onset of severe pain. This is accompanied by swelling and increasing restriction of movement. In severe cases, a joint misalignment following the accident can also be observed.
The easy-to-remember PECH formula was developed to provide first aid for joint injuries:
In the case of minor injuries, a doctor should be consulted afterwards. After accidents or serious injuries that are accompanied by bleeding, among other things, an emergency call should be made to 112.
Children can also quickly injure their joints from falls © famveldman | AdobeStock
Diagnosis of joint injuries also begins with a medical history and clinical examination. Part of the examination is a functional check of joint mobility and reflexes to rule out neurological damage following an accident.
Imaging procedures are used to assess the extent of the injury, e.g.
Minimally invasive diagnostic procedures also include joint puncture and arthroscopy. In arthroscopy, instruments and a mini camera are inserted directly into the injured joint via a small surgical incision.
In addition to first aid, pain-relieving medication and immobilization of the affected joint usually play a major role in the beginning.
If the joint has been dislocated - often in knee or shoulder joints - the doctor will attempt to "reset" the joint (reduction).
Water retention as a result of a joint injury often leads to painful swelling around the joint. In this case, the injury is punctured to drain off the excess tissue fluid and thus reduce the pressure on the joint.
In most cases, joint injuries are also treated with physiotherapy. The aim of physiotherapy is to improve mobility in the joint. After prolonged immobilization, it aims to slowly strengthen the muscles and joints again.
After serious joint injuries, e.g. in the event of an accident or torn ligaments, these usually have to be treated surgically:
The more severe the joint injury was and the more often a joint has been damaged in a lifetime, the higher the risk of developing one of the late effects. For example, it is possible that
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