A multi-ligament knee injury occurs when two or more of the primary ligaments in your knee are damaged. This can cause severe instability, making even simple movements like walking or standing difficult. Without proper treatment, these injuries can lead to long-term complications.
Whether caused by an accident or a sports injury, multi-ligament knee injuries can leave you feeling unstable and in constant pain. This blog will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for multi-ligament knee injuries and discuss how knee reconstruction surgery can restore stability and function.
Understanding Multiligament Knee Injuries
The stability and smooth movement of your knee hinge on four primary ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). When two or more of these ligaments are injured simultaneously, it’s a multiligament knee injury. Such severe injuries can significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities.
Injuries affecting two or more of these ligaments simultaneously are classified as multi-ligament knee injuries. Such injuries often result from high-impact trauma and can severely affect the knee’s functionality, leading to pain, instability, and difficulty in performing daily activities.
Causes of Multiligament Knee Injuries
These injuries often result from high-impact or unexpected events such as;
- High-impact sports like football or skiing.
- Car accidents or falls from heights.
- Sudden twisting or pivoting.
- Repetitive stress from intense activities.
- Direct trauma from blows to the knee.
Unlike a simple sprain, a multiligament knee injury involves extensive ligament damage. If left untreated, it can result in long-term instability and severe conditions, such as chronic knee pain and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis due to persistent joint instability and damage.
Symptoms of Multi-ligament Knee Injuries
A multi-ligament knee injury can cause several issues that affect your daily activities. Here are the key symptoms you should be aware of:
- Intense discomfort in the knee.
- Noticeable swelling or bruising around the knee.
- An unsafe or unstable feeling in the knee.
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the leg.
- Stiffness and restricted range of motion.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seeking evaluation and treatment for your knee injury is crucial.
How is a Multi-ligament knee Injury treated?
Knee reconstruction surgery is often necessary to repair a multi-ligament knee injury, especially in severe cases. During the surgery, damaged ligaments are either repaired or reconstructed using grafts from other body parts.
Ligament Repair or Reconstruction: Surgeons either stitch torn ligaments back together or replace them with tissue grafts.
Knee Stabilization: The goal is to restore knee stability, which can take time, depending on the number of ligaments involved.
Post-Surgery Recovery: Physical therapy is essential to regain strength, mobility, and stability in the knee.
Leading knee reconstruction surgeons believe early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for achieving the best surgical results.
How is multi-ligament knee Surgery performed?
Multi-ligament knee surgery is complex and is typically carried out by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Here’s a general overview:
Pre-Surgical Evaluation
The surgeon uses X-rays and MRIs to assess the injury and determine the extent of ligament damage.
Surgical Procedure
Performed under general anesthesia.
Small incisions are made around the knee, and arthroscopy is used to access the damaged ligaments.
Grafts are harvested and positioned in the knee to replace torn ligaments.
New or repaired ligaments are anchored with screws or fixation devices.
Post-Surgical Stabilization
The knee is stabilized with a brace, and the patient begins the recovery phase.
- Recovery involves:
- Physiotherapy: to regain strength and restore mobility.
- Bracing:to support the knee during recovery.
- Pain Management: medications and therapies to manage discomfort.
The recovery timeline can vary from a few months to a year, depending on the injury’s severity and rehabilitation’s success. Following the surgeon’s guidelines and rehabilitation plan is vital for a full recovery.
Best Orthopedic Surgeon for Knee Reconstruction in Mumbai
If you’re dealing with a multi-ligament knee injury, consulting with an experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee reconstruction is essential. Dr. Chirag Patel, a leading knee reconstruction surgeon in Mumbai, has a proven track record in treating complex knee injuries. His expertise in multi-ligament knee surgery ensures personalized treatment plans to restore knee function and stability.
Don’t let a knee injury hold you back. Contact Dr. Chirag Patel today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a complete recovery.