Exploring the Connection Between Knee Injuries and Scoliosis

The relationship between knee injuries and scoliosis?

Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident three months ago, and my left knee directly hit the ground.
Since then, whether I am walking or sitting, I often feel a tingling sensation in my knee, similar to water splashing on my foot, and the sensation is quite intense.
It even affects my walking.
I later had an MRI, and the results showed degeneration of the medial meniscus in the left knee, a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and buckling of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
The doctor mentioned that my clinical symptoms do not align with the findings in the report; for example, I experience pain on the outer side of my knee, but the lateral meniscus appears intact on the imaging.
I received an injection for pain relief in the meniscus, but it only provided relief for two days, and afterward, my condition did not improve; instead, the pain and tingling sensation have worsened.
The doctor advised me to perform quadriceps strengthening exercises to see if that would help.
However, I suddenly recalled that I had previously been diagnosed with scoliosis, with a curvature of 53 degrees in the upper spine and 55 degrees in the lower spine.
I would like to ask if there is a possibility that the knee tingling and pain could be related to my scoliosis.
Thank you, Doctor!

Xuan Xuan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/12

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics

Hello, could the numbness and pain in the knee be related to scoliosis? While scoliosis does not typically compress a single nerve, if the curvature is significant, it is recommended to consider surgical treatment after the age of 18.

Reply Date: 2023/01/12

More Info

Knee injuries, particularly those involving the meniscus and cruciate ligaments, can significantly impact a person's mobility and overall quality of life. Your situation, involving a left knee injury from a car accident, coupled with a diagnosis of meniscus degeneration and cruciate ligament tears, is indeed complex. Additionally, your concern about the relationship between knee pain and scoliosis is valid and warrants a detailed exploration.

Firstly, let's address the knee injuries you mentioned. The MRI findings indicate that you have medial meniscus degeneration, a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and a buckling of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). These injuries can lead to instability in the knee joint, which may manifest as pain, swelling, and a sensation of weakness or "giving way" during activities. The fact that you experience a strong sensation of numbness or tingling in your knee, akin to water splashing on your foot, suggests that there may be nerve involvement or referred pain from the knee joint itself.

The discrepancy between your clinical symptoms and the MRI findings is not uncommon. Pain can sometimes be referred from other areas, and the body’s pain perception is complex. For instance, while your outer knee may hurt, the underlying issue could stem from the inner structures of the knee or even from compensatory movements due to instability. The injection you received for pain relief may have provided temporary relief, but it is not uncommon for such treatments to have limited long-term effects, especially if the underlying structural issues remain unaddressed.

Now, regarding your question about the potential connection between knee pain and scoliosis: there is indeed a possibility that your spinal condition could influence your knee symptoms. Scoliosis, characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, can lead to uneven weight distribution and altered biomechanics during movement. This uneven distribution can place additional stress on the knees, particularly if the curvature affects your posture or gait. For example, if one side of your pelvis is higher due to scoliosis, it can lead to compensatory movements in your legs, potentially exacerbating knee pain or leading to new injuries.

Furthermore, the muscles that support the knee, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, may also be affected by scoliosis. If these muscles are not functioning optimally due to postural imbalances, it could lead to weakness or tightness, further contributing to knee pain. The quadriceps strengthening exercises your doctor recommended are crucial, as they help stabilize the knee joint and can alleviate some of the pain by improving muscle support around the joint.

In summary, while your knee injuries are significant and require appropriate management, it is essential to consider the broader context of your body mechanics, including the impact of scoliosis. A multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedic care, physical therapy, and possibly consultation with a specialist in spinal disorders may provide a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan could address both your knee issues and the underlying factors related to your scoliosis, ultimately improving your overall function and reducing pain. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as necessary will be vital in your recovery journey.

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