Specialised treatment for knee ligament injuries
There are four main ligaments in the knee, each of which plays a role in regular movement. The two cruciate ligaments – the ACL and PCL – are located in the back and centre of the knee, controlling its rotation and forward-backward movements. Collateral ligaments – the MCL and LCL – stabilise the knee’s inner and outer sides.
Though some are more susceptible to injury than others, all can be damaged in sports and can sideline a player for the rest of the season. If a damaged ligament has put your game on hold, contact Orthopaedics SA for expert assessment and treatment.
knee ligament injuries frequently asked questions
What are the signs and symptoms of knee ligament injuries?
Symptoms of a knee ligament injury usually begin as soon as the injury takes place. They can include:
- Severe pain
- Swelling (usually developing over the next 24 hours after the injury)
- Instability (feeling like your knee might ‘give way’)
- Inability to move your knee fully
- Inability to bear weight on your knee
- Feeling or hearing a ‘pop’ at the time of injury
Remember that your own experience with a knee ligament injury is highly individual, and your symptoms may differ to those listed here. If in doubt about your knee injury, ask for a referral to Orthopaedics SA.
What causes knee ligament injuries?
Knee ligament injuries develop when the knee is stressed in an unusual way. There are many ways in which this can happen: a tackle or collision during sports or an accident, landing incorrectly from a jump, stopping suddenly, or pivoting with your foot firmly planted on the ground. Most actions which extend the leg forward too far or twist your knee and lower leg have potential to cause knee ligament injuries.
Different actions are more likely to damage different knee ligaments: both collateral ligaments are most often injured through a blow to the outer side of the knee, while the ACL is more likely to be torn through a twisting motion.
Avoidable causes of knee ligament injuries in sports include:
- Improper technique – learning to jump, land, and move properly for your sport is critical to preventing ligament injuries
- Poor equipment – playing with misfitted footwear, on unmaintained surfaces, and using equipment that is not properly adjusted can significantly increase your risk of injury.
How are knee ligament injuries diagnosed?
Your doctor will begin diagnosing a ligamentous knee injury with a physical examination of your knee. They will compare your injured knee’s side and shape to your uninjured one, look for abnormalities, and may ask you to attempt specific movements. They will also ask you questions about how the injury occurred, whether you have had knee injuries previously, and you overall health.
If they suspect a knee ligament injury, your doctor will usually order one or more imaging tests to confirm it and help determine your treatment options. The imaging tests used may include:
- MRI scan – using radio waves and a strong magnetic field, an MRI generates an image of your knee’s soft structures which can show damaged or torn ligaments. Though not always necessary to diagnose a knee ligament injury, it can help doctors assess the injury’s extent and plan for surgery if needed.
- X-rays – though they will not show damage to the knee ligaments explicitly, x-rays can show additional damage to the knee’s bones if present.
- Ultrasound – this test uses sound waves to visualise your knee’s internal structures and check them for physical abnormalities. It may let your doctor see whether one or more knee ligaments are damaged and how severely they are injured.
What treatment options are available for knee ligament injuries?
Immediately after a knee injury occurs, applying the RICER first aid protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation, referral) is the best course of treatment. Seek a referral to Orthopaedics SA as soon as possible afterwards for a full assessment.
Your treatment options for a ligamentous knee injury depend on which ligament(s) are injured, the extent of damage, and your lifestyle needs. Many knee ligament injuries can be treated without surgery, especially if they are not severe. Your nonsurgical treatment options may include:
- Resting the knee by avoiding high-impact activities or using crutches for a few weeks
- Using a supportive brace to immobilise your knee as it heals
- Taking over-the-counter NSAID medications (like Nurofen or Advil) to reduce pain and swelling
- Speaking to a physiotherapist about exercises which will improve your knee strength
- Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote healing
However, it should be noted that tendons which have fully torn do not heal without surgery. If you have full-thickness tear, injuries to more than one ligament, or other damage to your knee, surgical treatment may be preferable. Depending on the exact nature of your injury, your surgical options may include:
- Knee arthroscopy – this procedure involves passing a tiny camera with a light attached to it (an arthroscope) into your knee joint through a small incision. Once it’s in, your orthopaedic surgeon can use it to inspect the knee’s damage from the inside and determine an exact course of treatment. In many cases, they can use the arthroscope to perform a full reconstructive procedure with the help of tiny tools passed through a few more small cuts in your knee.
- Knee ligament reconstruction – as ligaments such as the ACL often cannot be stitched back together, your doctor may recommend a reconstructive surgery to help restore your knee’s stability. This involves taking a tendon graft from elsewhere in your body and attaching it to the knee bones, replacing the damaged one.
The disadvantage of knee surgery is that it takes time to heal. Recovering from a ligament reconstruction surgery often takes six or more months, though the restored stability it provides can be game-changing for athletes and people with active lifestyles. To find out which approach is best for you, ask for a referral to Orthopaedics SA.
Knee treatments
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament is the most commonly disrupted ligament in the knee. Our understanding of the anterior cruciate ligament and its importance to knee stability has increased greatly over the past 20 years, as has our ability to diagnose
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery of the knee is performed using a small telescope (arthroscope) and operating instruments which are inserted through, three punctures (usually) approximately 5 millimetres long. Using this technique, it is possible to remove torn cartilage and other loose pieces
Patellofemoral Replacement/Stabilisation
Orthopaedics SA’s Adelaide-based orthopaedic clinic is committed to providing high-quality care and treatment for patients with knee joint conditions, including patellofemoral problems. The patella (kneecap) and the femur (thigh bone) meet at the knee joint. When problems arise in this
Revision Knee Replacement Surgery
Revision Knee Replacement means that part or all of your previous knee replacement needs to be revised. Surgery is not a pleasant prospect for anyone, but for some people with arthritis, it could mean the difference between leading a normal
Robotic Assisted Knee Surgery
Robotic surgery utilises computer-assisted planning combined with a robotic arm guided by your surgeon. It is an advancement of a current technology using computer navigation to assist positioning of a joint replacement implant. Used regularly by our surgeons since 2017,
Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR)
A total knee replacement is an operation performed on a knee joint damaged by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, accidents or sports injuries. It is carried only after other forms of treatment have no further benefit. The knee is commonly referred to
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
Unicompartmental or partial knee replacement replaces the worn part of the knee whilst retaining the healthy part of the knee. This is not a new concept but there has been resurgence in popularity recently. Better instruments allow for better tissue
Why Orthopaedics SA?
Comprehensive care
From arthritis to sports injuries, we treat a full spectrum of bone and joint conditions to keep you moving.
Expert surgeons
Our highly trained doctors have years of experience delivering precise and effective treatments.
SA’s largest practice
With 23 specialists, we offer unmatched expertise and evidence-based care for every patient.
Multiple locations
We have multiple clinics across South Australia, making it simple to find expert care nearby.
Patient-centric approach
We prioritise understanding your condition to ensure every treatment recommendation feels right for you.
Reliable support
Our team of nurses and administrative staff works behind the scenes to make your experience smooth and stress-free.
Meet our doctors
Our surgeons are highly qualified to offer personalised treatments tailored to your needs. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure every decision is made with your well-being in mind.
We take responsibility for our patient’s experience
From your initial consultation to follow-up care, our team will guide you through every step of your treatment. Your specialist will provide a detailed recovery plan, including physical therapy to restore function and prevent future injuries.