Ligament Injuries

What are ligament injuries?

Ligaments are elastic bands of tissue that connect bones, providing stability and strength to joints like the knee. When these bands overstretch or tear, ligament injuries can occur, especially in athletes or those who are active. A common example is injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.

Ligament injuries can significantly impact your mobility and daily life, but Main Line Health orthopaedic specialists can help get you back to the activities you love.

Symptoms of ligament injuries

Symptoms of ligament injuries may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Decreased range of motion
• Instability when walking
• Inability to bear weight on the joint

Recognizing these symptoms early can be crucial for effective treatment for ligament injuries.

Causes of ligament injuries

Ligament injuries typically occur during sports that require sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping or direct impact to the knee. Activities like soccer, football, basketball, skiing and gymnastics are common culprits.

Ligament injuries can also occur due to sudden impact (trauma), falling awkwardly, repetitive movements, excessive strain and degeneration of ligaments as we age.

Individuals involved in high-impact sports or those with a previous knee injury are at a higher risk for ligament injuries. Additionally, sudden changes in activity level or not properly warming up can increase the risk of sustaining ligament injuries.

Types of ligament injuries

The knee houses four main ligaments:

1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): Central in the knee, it controls rotation and the forward motion of the shin bone.
2. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): Located at the back, it controls the backward movement of the shin bone.
3. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): It connects the thigh bone to the shin bone on the inside of the knee, stabilizing the inner knee.
4. Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): It connects the thigh bone to the smaller bone in the lower leg on the outer side of the knee, stabilizing the outer knee.

Understanding the types of ligament injuries is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will perform diagnostic tests to determine the type and severity of injury and create a personalized treatment plan.

Diagnosis and testing for ligament injuries

Main Line Health orthopaedic specialists work to quickly and accurately diagnose your injury and get you on the path to recovery. Your doctor will perform a comprehensive examination, including a physical exam, health history and ordering tests such as MRI scans or lab work. These diagnostic tests determine the type and severity of injury. Your care team will develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back to the daily activities you love.

Ligament injury treatment options

At Main Line Health, we’re committed to providing comprehensive care for patients suffering from ligament injuries. Our orthopaedic experts understand the mobility challenges these injuries pose and are dedicated to supporting you through every step of your recovery.

Ligament injuries can vary from mild to severe. Common ligament injuries include mild sprains or tears, where the ligament is stretched or torn slightly. These mild injuries typically require non-surgical treatments, such as rest, braces and physical therapy.

Surgery may be needed to correct severe ACL tears and avulsion fractures, when bone fragment breaks off with the torn ligament.

Orthopaedic rehabilitation is often recommended to help patients regain full mobility and functionality of their joint post-injury or surgery. Main Line Health’s orthopaedic team specializes in both simple and complex treatments, tailored to each patient’s specific needs.