Multiligament Knee Injury
What is a Multiligament Knee Injury?
The knee joint, where the femur (thighbone) meets the tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap), relies on these four key ligaments for stability and proper function.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): Located in the center of the knee, the ACL prevents the tibia (shinbone) from sliding out in front of the femur (thighbone).
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): Also located in the center of the knee, the PCL works with the ACL to control back-and-forth motion, specifically preventing the tibia from sliding backward under the femur.
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL): Positioned on the inner side of the knee, the MCL resists widening of the inside of the joint, or “opening up” of the knee.
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): Located on the outer side of the knee, the LCL resists widening of the outside of the joint.
A multiligament knee injury, also known as a knee dislocation, involves severe damage to multiple ligaments in the knee. These ligaments include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These injuries can significantly affect the stability, functionality, and movement of the knee joint.
One of the most common injuries in Dr. Ben Mayo’s orthopedic office is ligament injuries. As a fellowship trained knee surgeon, Dr. Ben Mayo regularly sees patients in the Detroit area with multiligament knee injureis to determine the best treatment options for them. Contact Dr. Mayo’s team today to schedule a consultation at one of his offices in Livonia or Sterling Heights.
Multiligament knee injuries are usually the result of high-energy trauma such as a motor vehicle accident, sports injury, or a severe fall. This type of injury often occurs when the knee is forced into extreme positions or experiences a high impact.
Multiligament knee injuries are severe and unlikely to heal properly without medical intervention. These injuries often require surgical repair or reconstruction for optimal recovery.
A diagnosis is typically made based on a physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of the injury.
Non-surgical treatment may include physical therapy, braces, or other devices to stabilize the knee. However, most patients with a multiligament knee injury will require surgery to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments and restore stability to the knee.
Surgery is typically recommended for patients who have injured two or more knee ligaments, particularly if they are athletes or lead active lives. Timing of surgery can vary based on the specific injuries and the patient’s overall health. In some cases, surgery may be performed immediately, while in others, it may be delayed to allow swelling to decrease.
Surgery may involve repair (stitching the torn ligament back together) or reconstruction (using grafts to replace the torn ligaments). The specific surgical approach depends on the severity of the injury, the patient’s age and activity level, and the surgeon’s preference. For specifics on how each ligament is treated surgically, you can view their pages.
- ACL Reconstruction
- PCL Reconstruction
- Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction
- MCL Tear
There are different types of multiligament knee injuries depending on which and how many ligaments are injured. They can be classified based on their severity, ranging from Grade I (mild) to Grade III (severe, with complete ligament tears).
Recovery from multiligament knee injury surgery can be lengthy and intensive, often taking 6 to 12 months. This includes a period of immobilization, followed by physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the knee.
Schedule a knee consultation
For advanced and individualized care for multiligament knee injuries, trust in the expertise of Dr. Ben Mayo. As a fellowship-trained knee surgeon, Dr. Mayo is committed to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date treatment plans for multiligament knee injuries. His clinics in Livonia and Sterling Heights cater to the Detroit area, including communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, Novi, and Royal Oak. Contact his office today to schedule a consultation.
At a Glance
Ben Mayo, MD
- Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
- Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
- Learn more