Knee Injuries

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Knee ligament injuries are common and can occur due to sudden twisting or impact to the knee joint, often during sports or physical activities. 

The knee is stabilized by four major ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Ligament injuries can vary in severity, from mild sprains to complete tears, and may involve one or more ligaments.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most frequent knee ligament injuries and often occur during activities involving sudden stops, changes in direction, or pivoting motions. Symptoms of an ACL injury typically include a popping sensation at the time of injury, swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected knee.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are less common but can occur from direct impact to the front of the knee or from hyperextension. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty walking or straightening the knee.

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are often caused by a blow to the outer side of the knee, leading to pain, swelling, and instability, especially when bending the knee inward.

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries are less common and usually result from a blow to the inner side of the knee, causing pain, swelling, and instability, particularly when bending the knee outward.

Knee meniscus injuries are common and typically involve damage to the cartilage discs (menisci) located between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) in the knee joint. The menisci act as shock absorbers and help stabilize the knee during movement. Injuries to the meniscus can occur due to twisting, rotating, or direct impact on the knee joint, often during sports or activities that involve sudden changes in direction.

Meniscus injuries can vary in severity, from minor tears to more significant tears that affect the function and stability of the knee. Symptoms of a meniscus injury often include pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or popping sensations, locking or catching of the knee, and difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee.