English briefing for the topic Crepitus or popping of a joint is basically a normal and functional friction between the synovial fluid with air bubbles inside any joint in the body and the smooth articular surfaces. It is very common in the knee and hand fingers. It is simply elicited when the pressure inside the joint is changed from one compartment in relation to the other part inside the joint, or even the pressure is less inside the joint due to pulling ( like what you usually do with your fingers ), or it gets higher on weight bearing after rest for long time( Mainly in the knee) . To neutralize the pressure the fluid with air bubbles is pushed in high speed and a Click is heard. You may elicit crepitus when you pull your fingers, twist them gently or apply pressure at the back of in interphalangeal joints when your hand fingers are flexed. Many people induce crepitus of their cervical and lumbar spine when they strain their back in a wrong sitting position for long time. Habitual crepitus can lead to inflammation of a joint, ligament or tendon functioning around the joint. Crepitus, popping, granting, crunching or click sounds of a joint is not a disease by itself, but can be a symptom with another disorder, and when it is presented with swelling , pain and limitation of movements of a joint. To diagnose any disease the standard protocol remains always the same: Detailed history taking, clinical examination then investigations related to the presenting case. Medical treatment will resolve all inflammatory conditions, Exercise and Muscle strengthening is very important to resume joint function and stability. Surgery would b34 considered to treat cases presented with severe trauma of a joint and hearing of a crepitus on time of injury. Serious ligament injury, meniscal tears or tendon displacement or joint dislocation can be expected.
