…for my cousin actually. A few years ago he was in a car accident and as a result hes got some pretty bad knee problems. Hes really into lifting and his upper body is getting pretty built, but because of his knees he cant really do much in the way of lower body and his legs arent all that developed. He asked me for some advice today and I wasnt sure what to tell him really. Squats, machine leg press, etc…all those types of exercises that put a bunch of stress on the knee joint are out.
He can work the legs somewhat with hip dominant leg work. Not necessarily deadlifts, but I find one armed snatches/swings have added some mass to my quads and not just my hamstrings. Also do hang snatches, stiff legged dead lifts, back extensions, glute-ham raises, reverse hypers, and all of that.
Generally, take a look at any hamstring related articles on T-mag (Hamstrings from Hell, ect.) simply because almost all hamstring exercises don’t put as much pressure on the knee as quad exercises. Step-ups should be avoided though, as those still SEEM to put pressure on the knees (mind you, I’m arthritic, so it might just be that and not the exercise itself).