What are knee ligament injuries?

Knee ligaments are the short bands of tough, flexible connective tissue that hold the knee together. Knee ligament injuries can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident. Or they can be caused by sports injuries. An example is a twisting knee injury in basketball or skiing.

The knee has 4 major ligaments. Ligaments connect bones to each other. They give the joint stability and strength. The 4 knee ligaments connect the thighbone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). They are:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This ligament is in the center of the knee. It controls rotation and forward movement of the shin bone.

• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). This ligament is in the back of the knee. It controls backward movement of the shin bone.

• Medial collateral ligament (MCL). This ligament gives stability to the inner knee.

• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL). This ligament gives stability to the outer knee.

What causes knee ligament injuries?

What are the symptoms of knee ligament injuries?

How are knee ligament injuries diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. You may also need 1 or both of these tests:

• X-ray. This imaging test can rule out an injury to bone instead of a ligament injury. It uses energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film.

• MRI. This test uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures in the body. It can often find damage or disease in bones and a surrounding ligament, tendon, or muscle.

How are knee ligament injuries treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may include:

• Pain medicine, such as ibuprofen

• Muscle-strengthening exercises

• Protective knee brace

• Ice pack to ease swelling

• Surgery

Key points about knee ligament injuries

• Knee ligaments are the short bands of elastic tissue that holds the knee together. There are 4 main ligaments in each knee.

• Knee ligament injuries can be cause by trauma, such as a car accident. Or they can by caused by sports injuries.

• The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common ligaments to be injured.

• Treatment may include medicine, muscle-strengthening exercises, a knee brace, or surgery.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your provider gives you.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.