KNEE LIGAMENT INJURIES

Ligaments are elastic bands of tissue that connect the bones of a joint making them strong and stable. The knee joint is held together by the cruciate and collateral ligaments that connect the thigh bone to the shin bone. The cruciate ligaments cross each other inside the knee joint and work like a hinge. The collateral ligaments are located on either side of the knee and keep the knee stable.

Knee ligament injuries most often occur while playing sports. Collateral ligaments are usually injured when hit by a force on the side opposite the ligament. Hockey and football players often have collateral ligament injuries. The cruciate ligaments can be injured by sudden twisting movements or from being hit directly. Cruciate ligament injuries often occur in sports like skiing or in car accidents.

There is usually pain and a popping sound at the time of a ligament injury. The knee will give out when a cruciate ligament is injured. When a collateral ligament is injured, the knee will buckle sideways. Swelling may be gradual or rapid with knee ligament injuries. See a healthcare provider for injuries with these symptoms. The provider will examine the knee by moving it in different ways. It may be necessary to have an MRI or x-ray of the knee.

To help prevent swelling, a cloth-covered ice pack should be put on the knee right away. The cloth-covered ice pack can be put on the knee 4 to 8 times a day for no more than 20 minutes each time. To prevent and reduce swelling, the leg should be elevated 12 inches above the heart. The provider may suggest a brace. The brace protects the knee and helps to make it stable. Sometimes crutches are necessary to keep weight off the knee. The provider may order pain medicine. Physical therapy will be needed to make the muscles of the leg strong. It can begin when the pain starts to go away and may last for several months.

Usually surgery is not needed. If there are several ligaments injured at one time, surgery followed by physical therapy may be necessary.

Training properly is the best way to prevent injuries to the knee. Training is important to prepare the body for any type of sport activities. Certified coaches and personal trainers can give safe training tips specific to a sport as well as safe exercises and training activities. Females involved in sports are more likely to have a knee injury than males.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File BONE4247.RF2 VRS# 4247 Version 7.0