LIGAMENT INJURY

Ligament injury in the knee is caused due to trauma to any of the three major stabilizers (anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, lateral collateral, medial collateral, and combinations of these).

Injuries can range in severity from partial tears to full ruptures and can include a number of ligament combinations depending on the severity of the trauma.

Injuries are usually traumatic, caused due to sports or road traffic accidents.

A traumatic event may be due to the injury from the front like in a motorbike accident or in a dashboard injury; while sporting injuries are commonly seen.

TYPE OF INJURIES

Collateral injuries

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is inner and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is outside. They restrict the side to the side movement. If your lower leg is pulled out of a direct blow to the foot, you can sprain or tear your MCL. Both can also be affected if the knee is bent too far outwards.

Cruciate injuries

Cruciate is ‘cross-shaped.’ The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) form a cross inside the knee. They help keep the knee healthy by monitoring how much it swings backward and forwards. The most severe forms of knee injuries are ACL injuries. They sometimes happen when you move your knee, or when you fall on your butt, and then quickly turn around. When you fall, while your knee is bent, then PCL can be injured.

INVESTIGATIONS

X-Ray: X-ray helps in the identification of bony lesions, osteochondral defects, and ligament avulsions from their attachments. 

MRI: A knee MRI scan is the most effective non-invasive examination for detecting any meniscal pathology, including ligament or bone damage.

GRADES

  • Grade 1 – When there is only stretching without tearing of ligaments
  • Grade 2 – When there is a partial tear of the ligament.
  • Grade 3 – When there is a complete tear.

SYMPTOMS

When a tear happens, you may experience the following:
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Instability – you may feel like your knee is giving way
  • Feel or hear a popping or snapping sound
  • It is difficult to place weight on the affected leg

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LIGAMENT KNEE INJURY

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TREATMENT

  • Physiotherapy: Performing strengthening and range of motion exercise
  • Pharmacological Management: Prescription of paracetamol for pain relieve
  • Surgery: Repair or reconstruction using arthroscopy
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DO YOU HAVE ONE KNEE PAIN

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