Information About Knee Ligament Injuries

The medial collateral ligament (or MCL) is one of four ligaments that acts to stabilize the knee joint. The medial collateral ligament may be injured in isolation, or in combination with the meniscus and other ligaments within the knee joint.

Injury to the posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL, is an uncommon knee injury. When the PCL is injured, patients may have problems with knee instability. Treatment of PCL tears is controversial, but PCL reconstruction surgery is an option.

Knee braces are used in the treatment and prevention of many common knee injuries. A knee brace is designed to control knee motion. The knee brace either substitutes the function of a normal knee ligament, or helps to protect a knee ligament.

Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome is a condition of pain at the insertion of the medial collateral ligament on the thigh bone. Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome and the Pellegrini-Stieda sign are seen in patients who have had a medial collateral ligament injury.

Treatment of MCL Tears - Rehab of a Torn MCL

The lateral collateral ligament, or LCL, is one of four major knee ligaments. LCL tears are an injury to the ligament that supports the outside of the knee. Most LCL sprains can be treated without surgery, whereas more severe LCL tears often involve other knee ligaments and may require surgery for treatment.

Posterolateral rotatory instability occurs when there is damage to the supporting structures of the outside of the knee joint. When patients have posterolateral rotatory instability, this injury must be recognized to ensure adequate restoration of knee function.