What is a Multi-Ligament Knee Injury?

The knee joint is supported by four major ligaments: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL). These ligaments provide stability and alignment to the knee.

A multi-ligament knee injury occurs when two or more ligaments are damaged simultaneously, often due to high-impact trauma such as:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls from significant heights
• Direct impact injuries (e.g., sports tackles)
• Severe twisting or hyperextension of the knee

Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Knee and Sports Surgeon at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, specializes in multi-ligament knee injury diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of a Multi-Ligament Knee Injury

• Severe pain in the knee joint
• Immediate swelling and joint effusion
• Instability while walking or standing
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty bearing weight on the knee

Diagnosis of Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries

• Medical history review to understand injury mechanisms.
• Physical examination to assess knee movement and ligament integrity.
• X-rays to check for fractures or dislocations.
• MRI scan to confirm ligament damage and assess associated soft tissue injuries.

Treatment Options for Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries

Non-Surgical Treatments

• RICE Therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to manage swelling.
• NSAIDs (Anti-inflammatory Medications): Reduce pain and inflammation.
• Bracing: Supports knee stability during healing.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthens surrounding muscles and restores function.

Surgical Treatments

• Arthroscopic Ligament Reconstruction: Using minimally invasive techniques to repair damaged ligaments.
• Graft Surgery: Using autografts (patient's tissue) or allografts (donor tissue) to restore ligament function.
• Combined Ligament Reconstruction: Simultaneous ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL repair for complex cases.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

• Initial Phase: Pain management, swelling reduction, and mobility exercises.
• Strengthening Phase: Gradual strengthening of knee muscles.
• Functional Training: Restoring knee function for walking, running, and sports activities.

Expert Care for Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries

Dr. Khaleel ensures individualized treatment plans to help patients return to daily activities pain-free.