The Travis Kelce Injury: Hyperextended Knee
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Travis Kelce, highly acclaimed tight end player for the Kansas City Chiefs injured his knee in practice prior to starting the 2023 NFL season. This resulted in him missing the opening game against the Detroit Lions. The injury was described by the media as a hyperextended knee with a subsequent bone bruise. This did not require surgical intervention. Kelce was able to return for week two against our own Jacksonville Jaguars.
This article will explore the diagnosis and prognosis of a knee hyperextension injury. As well as, explain the physical therapy rehabilitation process for return to sport and prevention of future injuries. The goal of this article is to help explain this injury and give you treatment options.
Illustration of how a hyperextended knee occurs
What is a Hyperextended Knee?
A knee hyperextension occurs when the knee bends backwards beyond it’s usual limits. This can cause injuries to the tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or bones. This injury affects the structural stabilizers of the knee.
What are the Common Mechanisms of Injury?
In terms of the anatomy, a hyperextended knee occurs when it is extended beyond it’s normal degree of range of motion. This results in the femur being forced over the tibial joint surfaces. Often, the injury mechanism occurs with some form of impact such as running, jumping, or cutting during sports. Often, the athlete places all of their body weight through the affected leg. Other causes involve direct trauma to the front of the knee causing the knee to hyperextend. An example of this would be in football where a defender tackles the runner in the front aspect of their knee.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms?
Typically, a hyperextended knee will present with recognizable symptoms including:
- Localized pain that can be sharp
- Swelling in the knee
- Limited range of motion
- Instability or feeling the knee is loose.
- Difficulty with weight bearing through the affected lower extremity.
In more severe cases some bruising may be present. If you heard an audible popping sound during the injury, this may be indicative of ligamentous tearing.
What is the Prognosis? Is Surgery Required?
Prognosis and the need for surgical intervention depend upon the severity of the injury. Imaging such as X-ray and MRI may be ordered by the MD office to assess the structures of the knee after injury. The ligaments of the knee may be overstretched or sprained during the injury. These ligaments include (ACL) Anterior Crucial Ligament, (PCL) Posterior Cruciate Ligament, (LCL) Lateral Collateral Ligament, and (MCL) Medial Collateral Ligament. Most often, damage with this type of injury occurs in the ACL or PCL ligaments of the knee.
Physician Examining a Patient’s Knee
In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair damage to the ligaments or meniscus. In most minor cases, the knee will heal with rest and RICE principles including protection, rest, icing, compression, and elevation. As seen in the Travis Kelce case, he was able to recover and return to playing football in week two of the season. The healing process can be accelerated with proper care in physical therapy.
What is the Emphasis of the Physical Therapy?
Licensed physical therapists will work to facilitate the healing process through use of manual therapy, modalities, and therapeutic exercise. They do this to regain range of motion and strength after the knee injury. Strengthening may address limitations in the kinetic chain with an emphasis on quadricep and hamstring strengthening. This strengthening is to improve knee strength and stability.
Physical therapists will work closely with the patient to help them achieve their personal goals. As result, they will tailor specific research-based treatment methods. These guide patients in returning to their prior level of function with sports or other activities in their daily life. If you have questions, we are here to help you. Give us a call at 904-858-7045.
Written By: Ken Kazka PT
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Watch this video from JOI and JOI Rehab on Why Knee Pain Can’t Wait!
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