Knee injuries in gymnastics.

A review of injury patterns to the knee joint in gymnastics seen at our sport medicine clinic over a six and one-half year period reveals the patellofemoral pain syndrome to be more than twice as frequent as any other type of injury. Sprains are second in frequency but first in order of problems requiring emergency surgical treatment. The intensity of training correlates with the various overuse syndrome encountered, and the perfection of intricate routines and tricks can lead to significant injury of ligaments and menisci.