Knee injuries are common among athletes -- and couch potatoes young and old. Cartilage and ligament tears are most frequently identified with knee problems, but let's not ignore the prepatellar bursa or plica syndrome. See what makes the knee tick or crick at A Patient's Guide to Knee Problems.
Not all knee injuries require surgery, although the magic of arthroscopics has dramatically streamlined knee fixing. Being in good physical shape is advisable for all, but knees require a little extra work to avoid a brace, physical therapy or surgery. Pre-workout knee stretches are a must to keep the complex joint in good working order.
For the truly curious, radiologists at The University of Pennsylvania Medical Center have close-up images of knee parts with descriptions.