LILLIAN'S CASE
INTERACTIVE CASE #4
Case Introduction
Lillian is a 21-year-old college student who twisted her knee while running two days ago and is now in severe pain with knee swelling.
KNEE PAIN
WHAT DOES AN MRI SHOW?
ANATOMY OF THE KNEE
Lillian's knee is swollen and painful. She can't walk or bend it easily, and the swelling hasn't improved in two days. She decides to see the doctor.
Orthopedic Surgeon
STEP ONE
Initial Visit
Why is the ACL important and what happens when it tears?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Its primary role is to prevent the tibia from sliding forward and to control rotational movement of the knee during activities such as cutting, pivoting, and jumping. When the ACL tears, usually during sudden changes in direction or awkward landings, the knee can become unstable, leading to symptoms such as a popping sensation, rapid swelling, pain, and difficulty bearing weight. Because the ACL has a limited blood supply, it does not heal well on its own. Untreated instability can increase the risk of secondary injuries, including meniscus tears and early osteoarthritis. Thus, evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is important, especially for active individuals like Lillian.
SOURCE: Johns Hopkins Medicine
SOURCE: Mayo Clinic
PART 2
Answer questions related to the video and receive a key that you can use to open the vault. Good luck!
MRI Technologist
STEP TWO
PART 1
Think about it:
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that aims to identify and troubleshoot emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy is often a one-on-one session with a licensed mental health professional but can also occur in group setting with other patients. People can seek out psychotherapy to deal with long-term stress situations, symptoms with no physical explanation, or support for family members or children who have been diagnosed with a condition affecting their mental health. (NIMH » Psychotherapies, n.d.).
PART 2
Answer questions related to the video and receive a key that you can use to open the vault. Good luck!
Orthopedic Surgeon
STEP THREE
Visit after MRI
Why is the ACL important and what happens when it tears?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Its primary role is to prevent the tibia from sliding forward and to control rotational movement of the knee during activities such as cutting, pivoting, and jumping. When the ACL tears, usually during sudden changes in direction or awkward landings, the knee can become unstable, leading to symptoms such as a popping sensation, rapid swelling, pain, and difficulty bearing weight. Because the ACL has a limited blood supply, it does not heal well on its own. Untreated instability can increase the risk of secondary injuries, including meniscus tears and early osteoarthritis. Thus, evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is important, especially for active individuals like Lillian.
SOURCE: Johns Hopkins Medicine
SOURCE: Mayo Clinic
PART 2
Answer questions related to the video and receive a key that you can use to open the vault. Good luck!
Physical Therapist
STEP FOUR
PART 1
Think about it:
Bones vs. Muscles vs. Tendons vs. Ligaments
The musculoskeletal system works because each structure has a distinct role. Bones provide the rigid framework of the body and form joints where movement can occur. Muscles generate the force that produces movement by contracting and relaxing. Tendons are strong, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, transmitting the force of muscle contraction to move the skeleton. Ligaments, in contrast, connect bone to bone and primarily function to stabilize joints and limit excessive motion. Injuries such as ACL tears occur when ligaments are stretched beyond their capacity, leading to joint instability even if the surrounding muscles and bones remain intact. Understanding how these tissues work together helps explain why rehabilitation after knee injuries focuses not only on the damaged ligament but also on strengthening the supporting muscles around the joint.
PART 2
Answer questions related to the video and receive a key that you can use to open the vault. Good luck!
Orthopedic Surgeon
STEP FIVE
Final Visit
Why is the ACL important and what happens when it tears?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Its primary role is to prevent the tibia from sliding forward and to control rotational movement of the knee during activities such as cutting, pivoting, and jumping. When the ACL tears, usually during sudden changes in direction or awkward landings, the knee can become unstable, leading to symptoms such as a popping sensation, rapid swelling, pain, and difficulty bearing weight. Because the ACL has a limited blood supply, it does not heal well on its own. Untreated instability can increase the risk of secondary injuries, including meniscus tears and early osteoarthritis. Thus, evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is important, especially for active individuals like Lillian.
SOURCE: Johns Hopkins Medicine
SOURCE: Mayo Clinic
PART 2
Answer questions related to the video and receive a key that you can use to open the vault. Good luck!
