Orthopedic Treatment for Common Ligament Injuries to the Knee

Orthopedic Treatment for Common Ligament Injuries to the Knee TYPES OF KNEE LIGAMENT INJURIES Knee ligament injuries can be sprains and tears or ruptures. A ligament can rupture partially or fully. The four important ligaments in the knee and the injuries they are prone to injury are:

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Medial collateral ligament (MCL): The MCL is a ligament on the inside of the knee joint. MCL injuries can affect people of all ages and occur in any sport.

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Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): The LCL is another important ligament on the outside of the knee joint. Injuries to the LCL usually occur due to a direct blow to the inner side of the knee.

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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): The ACL connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) in the knee. ACL injuries commonly occur in sports such as football, basketball, skiing and tennis when the player lands on the leg and knee gets twisted in the opposite direction.

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Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): This is another major ligament connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone in the knee. A PCL tear could occur due to falling on the knee when it is bent or due to auto injuries that cause the bent knee to strike against the dashboard.

How Orthopedic Specialists Treat Knee Ligament Injuries Knee ligament injuries can be painful and debilitating. Symptoms include swelling, inflammation, tenderness, and difficulty in movement and weight bearing. Knee dislocations can cause damage to multiple ligaments, resulting in loss of stability.

Immediate first aid for a knee ligament injury involves applying RICE guidelines – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. However, if the condition does not settle down and chronic pain sets in, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. After a comprehensive examination, our specialist will evaluate, take the necessary X-Rays with our onsite digital imaging and will recommend nonsurgical or surgical treatment based on the severity of the injury.

NONSURGICAL TREATMENTS Progressive physical therapy and rehabilitation can reduce stress on the knee and return it to its pre-injury state. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to reduce pain and swelling. Patients may be advised to use a hinged knee brace to stabilize the joint and protect it from further injury. Physical therapy for knee ligament injuries includes electrical modalities, cryotherapy, theraband, muscle energy techniques and stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce inflammation to the joint and speed healing. Other treatments such as ultrasound electric stimulation can be used for pain relief and healing. Patient education on how to prevent further injury is an important part of the treatment plan.

SURGERY - The decision to recommend surgery would depend on factors such as: outcome of imaging and MRI studies, response to physical therapy, collaboration with all treatment providers, failed conservative treatments and other factors are considered. Only when all other treatments have failed is surgery considered.

GET TREATMENT FROM ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS Our orthopedic surgeons have years of experience in treating injuries to the knee through non-surgical and surgical intervention. At Comprehensive Healthcare Group on Long Island, our orthopedist works in conjunction with our physiatrists and physical therapists to ensure our patients’ receive the maximum attention and expertise needed to deliver superior care. Getting you back to your daily activities with no residual problems in mobility or pain is our goal.

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