What causes knee problems?

There are two general kinds of knee problems: traumatic and inflammatory. Traumatic knee problems result from injury, such as a direct blow or sudden movement that strains the knee beyond it's normal range of movement. Inflammatory knee problems occur in certain rheumatic diseases that damage the knee.

How are orthopedic problems diagnosed?

Physicians use several methods to diagnose orthopedic problems. A patient’s medical history tells the doctor details about their symptoms and about any injury, condition, or general health problem that might be causing the problem. During a physical examination, the physician might manipulate the injured area to assess motion, function and location of the pain. In some cases physicians might use one or more of the following tests to determine the nature of an orthopedic problem: x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arthroscopy, bone scan (radionuclide scanning), computerized axial tomography (CAT), or an arthrogram.

What causes a stress fracture?

Stress fractures are microscopic fractures of bone resulting from repeated "stress", usually from bearing your own weight. For example, stress fractures of the feet are related to long walking, running, or other athletic activities. Stress fractures can occur in other bones of the lower leg as well as the upper extremities. This particular type of fracture is often too tiny to show up on a routine x-ray and generally requires a MRI or bone scan to make a diagnosis.

What is a compression fracture?

This type of bone fracture generally results from a fall where the vertebral column is compressed and then, under the extreme pressure, cracks or breaks. This type of bone fracture may also be referred to as an impact fracture.

What is a compound bone fracture?

When a bone breaks and fragments of the bone penetrate through the internal soft tissue of the body and break through the skin from the inside it is called a compound fracture. 

What is a complete bone fracture?

A complete bone fracture occurs when the bone has been completely fractured through its own width. This is different from a hairline fracture or incomplete bone fracture where there is only a "crack" and not a complete break.

What is a hairline fracture?

This type of bone fracture involves minimal trauma to the bone and surrounding soft tissues. It is an incomplete fracture with no significant bone displacement and is considered a stable fracture. With this type the fracture, also known as a fissure fracture, the crack only extends into the outer layer of the bone but not completely through the entire bone.