Ligament Injuries to the Knee
What are knee ligaments?
There are four 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:
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) -
the ligament, located in the center of the knee,
that controls rotation and forward movement of
the tibia (shin bone).
posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) -
the ligament, located in the center of the knee,
that controls backward movement of the tibia (shin
bone).
medial collateral ligament (MCL) -
the ligament that gives stability to the inner
knee.
lateral collateral ligament (LCL) -
the ligament that gives stability to the outer
knee.
How are cruciate ligaments injured?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most
common ligament to be injured. The ACL is often
stretched and/or torn during a sudden twisting
motion (when the feet stay planted one way, but
the knees turn the other way). Skiing, basketball,
and football are sports that have a higher risk
of ACL injuries.
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is also
a common ligament to become injured in the knee.
However, the PCL injury usually occurs with sudden,
direct impact, such as in a car accident or during
a football tackle.
What are the symptoms of a cruciate ligament
injury?
Often, a cruciate ligament injury does not cause
pain. Instead, the person may hear a popping sound
as the injury occurs, followed by the leg buckling
when trying to stand on it, and swelling. However,
each individual may experience symptoms differently.
The symptoms of a cruciate ligament injury may
resemble other conditions or medical problems.
Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How are collateral ligaments injured?
The medial collateral ligament is injured more
often than the lateral collateral ligament. Stretch
and tear injuries to the collateral ligaments
are usually caused by a blow to the outer side
of the knee, such as when playing hockey or football.
What are the symptoms of a collateral ligament
injury?
Similar to cruciate ligament injuries, an injury
to the collateral ligament causes the knee to
pop and buckle, causing pain and swelling.
The symptoms of a collateral ligament injury
may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is a knee ligament injury diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and
physical examination, diagnostic procedures for
a knee ligament injury may include the following:
- x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses
invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce
images of internal tissues, bones, and organs
onto film.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -
a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination
of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer
to produce detailed images of organs and structures
within the body; can often determine damage
or disease in a surrounding ligament or muscle.
- computed tomography scan (Also called a
CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging
procedure that uses a combination of x-rays
and computer technology to produce cross-sectional
images (often called slices), both horizontally
and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows
detailed images of any part of the body, including
the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans
are more detailed than general x-rays.
- arthroscopy - a minimally-invasive
diagnostic and treatment procedure used for
conditions of a joint. This procedure uses a
small, lighted, optic tube (arthroscope) which
is inserted into the joint through a small incision
in the joint. Images of the inside of the joint
are projected onto a screen; used to evaluate
any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in
the joint; to detect bone diseases and tumors;
to determine the cause of bone pain and inflammation.
- radionuclide bone scan - a nuclear
imaging technique that uses a very small amount
of radioactive material, which is injected into
the patient's bloodstream to be detected by
a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the
bone and cell activity within the bone.
Treatment for knee ligament injuries:
Specific treatment for a knee ligament injury
will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the injury
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures,
and therapies
- expectation for the course of the injury
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- muscle-strengthening exercises
- protective knee brace (for use during exercise)
- ice pack application (to reduce swelling)
- surgery
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