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Knee Ligament Injuries

A knee ligament injury is typically a tear or a sprain of a ligament in the knee. The knee consists of 4 ligaments: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). 


As a knee ligament injury occurs, the person may hear a ‘pop’ sound, followed by the leg buckling when trying to stand on it. Typically, swelling of the knee will occur after a few hours. 


Each ligament in the knee are injured in different ways. The ACL is often stretched/torn during a sudden twisting motion, as such there is greater risk of injury when playing basketball or football. On the other hand, PCL injuries typically occurs with sudden and direct impact, such as during a car accident. The collateral ligaments are usually injured by a blow to the outer side of the knee. 



Knee ligament injuries are categorised based on the severity of the injury. 

Grade I ligament sprains involve a small amount of stretching or fraying of the ligament’s fibres whereas a Grade II classification means that the injured ligament is partially torn. The most severe injuries are Grade III injuries, where the ligament is completely torn. 


There are two forms of treatments for these knee injuries. The first method of treatment is non-surgical. This encompasses weight training and stretching to bring the knee back to full strength. A knee brace is also worn to prevent further aggravation of the injury. The second method of treatment is through surgery. In the event of a Grade III injury, surgery is first done to repair the damaged ligament. This is followed by therapy to strengthen the knee. 


Recovery periods for knee ligament injuries varies greatly, from 2 weeks to up to 12 months, depending on the severity of the injury. That being said, not all functionality and strength may be restored even after the knee ligaments are fully healed.


Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acl-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350738#:~:text=An%20ACL%20injury%20is%20a,basketball%2C%20football%20and%20downhill%20skiing

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injuries

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/ligament-injuries-to-the-knee

https://www.sports-health.com/sports-injuries/knee-injuries/treating-knee-sprains

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