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- Ligaments are ropelike, tissue
structures that hold the bones together. The bones
that connect at the knee are the femur in the thigh, and the
tibia and fibula of the lower leg. There are four
major ligaments in the knee: anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), medial collateral
ligament (MCL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
- Tears of the ligament (tissue) usually occur during exercise, when there is a higher risk of injury, unusual twisting movements, or unusual pressure placed on the knee (e.g., jumping down from a ledge).
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- Knee swelling
- Knee pain
- Knee joint is unstable (gives out)
- A "pop" is felt at the time of injury
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- Examination of knee (by your
primary physician or an orthopedic specialist)
- Testing:
- Knee X-Rays are usually
taken
- MRI may be considered
- Knee Arthroscopy --
can find ligament tears that are not seen on an MRI. A scope is passed into the knee through a small incision.
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- Ice the area for the first 24-48
hours
- A splint or similar device that
prevents movement
- Anti-inflammatory medications
such as ibuprofen (prescription strength)
- Limited physical activity until
the swelling goes down
- Physical therapy may be needed
- Note: it may take weeks or months
for a total recovery
- Reconstruction by knee Arthroscopy (small incision with scope) or open knee surgery
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