Differential Diagnosis for Knee Pain Post Internal Rotation Mechanism Whilst Jumping
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury: The mechanism of injury, internal rotation while jumping, is a common cause of ACL tears, which can lead to knee pain and instability.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Meniscal tear: The meniscus can be damaged due to the twisting motion of the knee during the internal rotation mechanism, leading to knee pain and potentially locking or catching sensations.
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain: The MCL can be stretched or torn during an internal rotation injury, causing pain and instability on the medial aspect of the knee.
- Osteochondral defect: A jumping injury with an internal rotation mechanism can cause a piece of cartilage and bone to become damaged or detached, leading to knee pain and potentially locking sensations.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Fracture (e.g., tibial plateau or femoral condyle): Although less common, a fracture can occur due to a high-energy jumping injury and must be ruled out to avoid delayed diagnosis and potential complications.
- Vascular injury: A severe injury to the popliteal artery or vein can occur due to the mechanism of injury and must be promptly identified and treated to avoid serious consequences.
- Peroneal nerve injury: The peroneal nerve can be damaged during a severe internal rotation injury, leading to foot drop or other neurological deficits.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Osteonecrosis: Although rare, osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle or tibial plateau can occur due to a traumatic injury, such as an internal rotation mechanism while jumping.
- Ligamentous injuries (e.g., posterior cruciate ligament or lateral collateral ligament): While less common, injuries to these ligaments can occur due to the mechanism of injury and should be considered in the differential diagnosis.