Ligament InjuriesWhat is a knee ligament injury? Ligament injuries consist of partial or complete tearing of the ligaments that hold the bones together and stabilize your knee. Each knee consists of a lateral (outside) collateral ligament, medial (inside) collateral ligament, anterior (front) cruciate ligament, and posterior (back) cruciate ligament. Recovery after a ligament injury depends on how much damage you have and whether you need open knee surgery to repair it. With a mild ligament injury, your recovery may take 6 months or longer. With a severe injury, recovery may take up to a year. Arthroscopy findings After a mild injury, your surgeon may find a partially torn ligament in your knee. With the severe "terrible triad" injury, your anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and meniscus are torn. Some ligaments can be repaired during arthroscopy, while others, because of their location or damage, need open knee surgery. Ligament surgery The normal support of a torn ligament can be restored by suturing, stapling, or using supplemental tissue to bridge the tear. For mild ligament tears, your surgeon may either staple or suture the ligament during arthroscopy. After a severe injury, your surgeon may perform open knee surgery, making larger incisions to reconnect, replace, or add other tissue to strengthen your torn ligaments and to repair meniscus damage. Your recovery Because ligaments take a long time to heal, you may have to keep weight off your leg for several weeks. A cast or hinged splint immobilizes your knee. During this time, you can use crutches to be up and around. Exercises are needed to regain strength and range of motion in your knee after your rest period, and to help supplement ligament support with muscle support. It may take up to a year to return to vigorous sports, and you may need to wear a protective brace for some stop-and-go sports in the future.
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