Knee Injuries in First Responders.

Abstract

First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical services, represent a unique patient population at high risk of knee injury. High rates of on-scene and training injuries are driven by dynamic and repetitive maneuvers often done under load. Excellent care of first responders starts with an understanding of the patient's occupational demands to provide the treatment and rehabilitation that optimizes their ability to return to high-level activity. By aligning treatment algorithms with real-world job demands and realistic return-to-duty timelines, orthopaedic surgeons can optimize functional outcomes and maintain the operational readiness of these essential public safety professionals. This review discusses the current literature pertaining to knee injuries in first responders.