Ligament Injuries

Knee ligament injuries are common and can happen during sports, exercise, or even routine daily activities. Our orthopedic team’s goal is to help you understand your injury and guide you toward a safe, confident return to the activities you enjoy.

Ligament Injuries

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Introduction

Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that help stabilize the knee. When they are stretched or torn, the knee may feel painful, unstable, or difficult to move. Early evaluation and the right treatment plan can help you heal properly and return to the activities you enjoy.

What Are the Ligaments of the Knee?

The knee has four major ligaments that keep the joint stable:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) which helps control forward movement of the shinbone
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) which controls backward movement of the shinbone
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) which supports the inner side of the knee
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) which supports the outer side of the knee

Injuries can affect one or more of these ligaments depending on the type of movement or force placed on the knee.

How Do I Know if I Have an ACL Tear?

Signs of an ACL tear often include:

A popping sound or sensation at the time of injury
Immediate swelling within a few hours
Difficulty putting weight on the leg
A feeling that the knee is giving out
Pain with pivoting, twisting, or sudden movements

A physical exam and imaging, such as an MRI, are often used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments for ACL Injuries

ACL injuries can be treated with non-surgical or surgical options depending on your activity level, age, and lifestyle.

Non-surgical treatment may include rest, bracing, physical therapy, and activity modification. This approach can work well for people who are less active or who do not participate in pivoting or jumping sports.
Surgical treatment involves ACL reconstruction, which replaces the torn ligament with a graft. Surgery is often recommended for active individuals or those who experience knee instability.

Treatments for Other Ligament Injuries

Treatment depends on which ligament is injured and how severe the injury is.

MCL and LCL injuries are often treated without surgery. Rest, bracing, physical therapy, and gradual return to activity are usually effective.
PCL injuries may heal with structured rehabilitation, although severe tears may require surgery.
Pain management, swelling control, and early guided movement are important for all ligament injuries.

Recovery Following Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

Recovery after ligament reconstruction requires time and a focused rehabilitation program. Most patients begin physical therapy shortly after surgery to restore motion, build strength, and improve stability. Returning to sports or high-demand activities usually takes several months. With proper rehab and guidance, many people successfully return to their previous activity level.

References

Brophy RH, Lowry KJ. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline Summary: Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2023;31(11):531-537. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-22-01020.

Bronstein RD, Schaffer JC. Physical Examination of Knee Ligament Injuries. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2017;25(4):280-287. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00463.

Solomon DH, Simel DL, Bates DW, Katz JN, Schaffer JL. The Rational Clinical Examination. Does This Patient Have a Torn Meniscus or Ligament of the Knee? Value of the Physical Examination. JAMA. 2001;286(13):1610-1620. doi:10.1001/jama.286.13.1610.