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Knee Ligamentous laxity, or knee ligament laxity, means loose knee ligaments. It is a cause of chronic body pain characterised by loose ligaments.
In the knee, ligaments are present to connect and stabilize the various bones that are present. These ligaments are very useful as these make sure the knee joint is flexible enough to move but also firm enough to provide support. Running or sitting would hence not be possible without these ligaments.
Typically, the average human being has naturally tight ligaments. However, in some cases, these knee ligaments can be loose and this can be referred as "high knee laxity". Loose knee joints or knee joint laxity is also often associated to knee ligamentous laxity.
Knee ligamentous laxity occurs in or around the joint. The symptoms include :
It is not uncommon to have loose knee joints. Children often have high knee ligamentous laxity. Usually, it is due to an injury or a certain medical condition. Furthermore, adults with loose ligaments have a higher risk of injury.
DYNEELAX knee arthrometer
Knee ligamentous laxity can be diagnosed using a knee arthrometer such as the DYNEELAX, the GNRB or the KT-1000 or doing some physical tests like the Lachman test or the anterior drawer test.
Using an arthrometer is advised as the results are objective and reproducible. Consequently, the doctor may directly know whether the ligaments are loose or not and prescribe the proper treatment.
The DYNEELAX, for example, has proven to be an efficient tool to run complete knee assessments. It tests both the translation and rotation stability of knee. As the tests are fully motorized, these tests can be done before and after surgery.
Knee Ligamentous Laxity does not always require treatment. Indeed, when it does not cause pain, physical therapy may help to fortify the muscles surrounding the knee joint. However, in severe cases, knee ligament surgery may be required.