The knee has four main ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly known as the ACL, and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) cross over on the inside of the knee. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) are on the sides of the joint.
They are all susceptible to damage, either as a result of wear and tear or due to a sudden injury, but an anterior cruciate ligament tear is one of the most common types of knee injury, accounting for approximately 40% of all sporting injuries.
The ACL can tear if the lower leg extends forward too much or as a result of twisting the lower leg, so it’s can occur when landing incorrectly, stopping or changing direction suddenly or during a collision such as rugby or football tackle. Click here to find out more about ACL tears.
The posterior cruciate ligament is typically injured when the knee is bent and the shin is suddenly forced backwards. The medial collateral ligament is more common in younger patients and often the result of the knee being forced inwards due to an accident. Injuries to the lateral collateral ligament are rarer and occur when the knee is forced outwards abnormally.
+ What are the symptoms of a ligament injury?
If the result of a fall, collision or twisting action, you’ll usually experience a sharp pain followed by swelling. You may experience a popping or tearing sensation. Depending on the extent of the tear, whether partial or full rupture, you may have difficulty walking and the knee joint may feel unstable.
+ How are ligament injuries diagnosed?
During your consultation with Mr David Houlihan-Burne, he will discuss your symptoms in full and perform a physical examination. X-rays and an MRI may be ordered to assess the degree of the tear.
+ How is a ligament injury treated?
Non-surgical treatments will usually be explored first. Tears to the PCL and MCL are often just partial tears and the patient may recover full mobility with the aid of physiotherapy or using a brace to prevent abnormal movement while the ligament heals.
If multiple ligaments are injured and you’re finding it hard to live normally, then Mr David Houlihan-Burne may recommend ligament reconstruction surgery.
17 Fitzhardinge Street
Marylebone
London
W1H 6EQ
Rickmansworth Rd
Northwood
Middx
HA6 2JW
BMI The Chiltern Hospital
London Road
Great Missenden
HP16 0EN
One Medical House
Boundary Way
Hemel Hempstead Industrial Estate
Hemel Hempstead
HP2 7YU
