Knee Ligament Injuries
Kevin G. Shea, M.D.The ligaments stabilize the knee joint by constraining or limiting the motion of the knee joint. Ligament injuries, if not treated properly, can lead to abnormal laxity or 'looseness' of the joint.
MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT
This ligament is found on the inner side of the knee joint, and is very important for maintaining the stability of the knee. This ligament prevents the knee from 'opening' to the side. This ligament is the most frequently injured of the all the ligaments about the knee. Fortunately, it tends to heal quite well, as long as it is not injured along with other major knee structures. This injury is usually treated with activity restrictions for 3-6 weeks, an early therapy program to maintain strength and flexibility, and the use of a knee brace to protect the ligament while it heals. It is not uncommon for you to experience stiffness and some mild knee pain for many months after this injury.
LATERAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT
This ligament is found on the outside of the knee joint, and is very important for maintaining the stability of the knee. Like the medial collateral ligament, this ligament prevents the knee from 'opening' to the side. This ligament is rarely injured, but if an injury does occur, these can be quite severe. It is usually injured in combination with other important knee structures. In severe injury cases, surgical reconstruction will be required.
POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT
This ligament is one of two 'cruciate' ligaments inside the knee. It is called a 'cruciate, because it 'crosses' another ligament inside the knee. This ligament is very strong, and provides significant stability to the knee. Fortunately, it is not injured very frequently, although the number of injuries to this structure may be increasing. In some cases, this ligament will require a reconstruction.