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Compartment overload

Compartment overload is when too much stress is occurring within one of the three compartments of the knee. Page updated January 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Compartment syndrome

Compartment syndrome refers to the muscle compartments, and is a situation where there is sudden and dangerously increased fluid pressure within a confined muscle region.

Complex regional pain syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome or CRPS is an uncommon but very disabling pain disorder. Page updated January 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Computerised tomography

Computerised tomography - or computerised axial tomography (CT or CAT scan) - is an X-ray imaging technique which allows the assessment of soft tissues as well as bones.

Concentric muscle contraction

A concentric muscle contraction is one in which the muscle shortens as it contracts.

Condyle

The condyle of the femur bone (or femoral condyle) is the rounded lower end on each side of the femur bone.

Congruence angle

The congruence angle is a measurement of the 'fit' of the kneecap (patella) into the underlying groove or 'trochlea' of the thighbone (femur).

Continuous passive motion

Continuous passive motion is a rehabilitation technique where the knee is very gradually bent and straightened, over periods of hours, using a CPM machine. Page updated July 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Contusion

A contusion is a crushing injury to the tissues, such as a bruise.

Cooling system

A cooling system for knee rehabilitation applies cooled water, ice or other cold liquid to the joint to reduce inflammation.