| Sports Car Knee Syndrome |
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Information AboutSports Car Knee Syndrome |
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This syndrome occurs most commonly in the middle aged patient complaining of mild to moderate Knee pain of varying intensity based on activity. Also known as small car syndrome, described in the 1960's The pain is most frequently seen in the left knee and hip in the United States and other countries in which left hand drive automobiles are used and in the right knee and hip in the United Kingdom and other right hand drive countries. On physical exam the pain is usually isolated to the medial area of the knee and is painful to pressure. The patient has no fever and there may be a slight swelling of the area. Pain can be noted with the hip when rotational movement is attempted. When questioned in the history the physician should ask if the patient has recently begun driving a different car. Usually this type patient will admit to having purchased or borrowed a Sports Car within the last few days or weeks. The cause of the syndrome is the following: In a normal size car, the somewhat stiffer middle aged individual, when exiting the car, will swivel the buttocks on the seat while the left leg is placed on the ground at a “straight” ( 0 degree deviance) position with the torso. The initial rising up from the car is therefore accomplished from a higher position with little or no torsion on the knee or on the hip. This permits minimal torsional pressure on the knee bursa and cartilage as well as on the hip. In the low slung and usually compact sports car, this exit is not possible as the buttocks cannot be easily swiveled because the leg must first be placed outside the car on the ground due to the cramped quarters. Now the left foot is at a right angle (90 degrees) to the torso. As the lifting of the body begins, to exit the car, a strong torsion pressure is placed on the left knee which is also initially lifting the body from a quite low position. This same rotational torsion is placed on the left hip. In addition the steering wheel is frequently used as a fixed item wherein when grasped by the hands, uses the upper chest muscles to help lift the body. Of course, if the car is a right hand drive this is all reversed to the right leg and knee and hip. Small car syndrome was described in the 1960's by Dr. Jerome Strauss. More recently, sports car knee syndrome has been described by Richard C. Fuisz, MD. Treatment consists of some mild Anti-inflammatory administration and mild heat and the most difficult request, stop driving the sports car for awhile. References: {Link without Title} . Richard C. Fuisz M.D. is a physican and inventor. |
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