Ligament Injuries to the Knee

 What are knee ligaments?

There are 4 major ligaments in the knee. Ligaments are elastic bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and provide stability and strength to the joint. The four main ligaments in the knee connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin bone), and include the following:

• The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ligament in the middle of the knee that governs the tibia's rotation and forward movement (shin bone).

• The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The ligament in the rear of the knee that governs the tibia's backward mobility (shin bone).

• The medial collateral ligament (MCL). The ligament that stabilizes the inside knee.

• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) (LCL). The ligament that stabilizes the outside knee.

How do cruciate ligaments become injured?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments. During a quick twisting motion, the ACL is frequently strained and/or torn (when the feet stay planted one way, but the knees turn the other way). ACL injuries are more common in sports such as skiing, basketball, and football.

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is another commonly injured ligament in the knee. The PCL injury, on the other hand, is frequently caused by a sudden, direct impact, such as in a vehicle accident or during a football tackle.

What are the signs of a cruciate ligament rupture?

A cruciate ligament damage may not always cause pain. Instead, as the damage happens, the victim may hear a popping sound, followed by the leg buckling when attempting to stand on it, and swelling. However, each person may experience symptoms in a unique way.

The symptoms of a cruciate ligament injury may be similar to those of other diseases or medical issues. For a diagnosis, always consult your doctor.

Collateral ligaments are injured in a variety of ways.

The lateral collateral ligament is more commonly injured than the medial collateral ligament. Stretch and tear injuries to the collateral ligaments are most commonly caused by a blow to the outside of the knee, such as when playing hockey or football.

What are the signs and symptoms of a sprained collateral ligament?

A collateral ligament injury, like a cruciate ligament injury, causes the knee to pop and buckle, causing pain and swelling.

The symptoms of a collateral ligament damage may be similar to those of other diseases or medical issues. For a diagnosis, always consult your doctor.

How can you know if you have a knee ligament injury?

Diagnostic techniques for a knee ligament damage may include, in addition to a thorough medical history and physical examination, the following:

• X-ray. A diagnostic test that employs invisible electromagnetic energy beams to create images of interior tissues, bones, and organs on film in order to rule out a bone damage instead of, or in addition to, a ligament injury.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (MRI). A diagnostic process that employs huge magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to provide comprehensive images of organs and structures within the body; can frequently determine damage or disease in bones and a surrounding ligament or muscle.

• Arthroscopy. A minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment method for joint problems. This surgery involves inserting a small, lighted optic tube (arthroscope) into the joint through a small incision. Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen; these images are used to analyze any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joint, to detect bone illnesses and tumors, and to determine the origin of bone pain and inflammation.

Knee ligament injury treatment

Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment for a knee ligament injury depending on the following factors:

• What is your age?

• Your overall health as well as your medical history

• How severe your injury is

• How well you tolerate particular medications, surgeries, and therapies

• How long will your injury take to heal?

• Your point of view or preference

Treatment options may include:

• Ibuprofen and other pain relievers

• Muscle-strengthening workouts

• Knee brace for protection (for use during exercise)

• Use of an ice pack (to reduce swelling)

• Surgery

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source : www.hopkinsmedicine.org