Often patients present to the knee clinic with symptoms of instability or ‘giving way’ of the knee.

This unpleasant sensation may occur as a result of damage to supporting structures, true instability, or as a reflex-type response to a sudden pain causing muscle weakness.  Occasionally, this giving way may cause the knee to buckle completely leading to falls.

Patients with pain arising from their patella often describe painful giving way symptoms when walking down stairs or slopes.

Following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury patients often describe the knee giving way and buckling when they twist or change direction.  It is common for these patients to lose confidence their knee, particularly during exercise or walking on uneven ground.