Your knees are some of the most important joints in your body. As the largest joint in the body, the knee is an essential part of movement. Knee ligaments connect your thighbone to the lower leg bones. Sprains or tears to the knee ligament are common and can be debilitating. There are 3 different types of sprains that vary in severity.
Anatomy of The Knee
Bones connect to other bones thanks to ligaments. The thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia) and kneecap (patella) all combine to for your knee. The kneecap falls in front of the joint to protect these bones. There are four ligaments in the knee that act as strong ropes to hold the bones together and stabilize your knee.
Collateral Ligaments
These fall on the sides of your knee and control the sideways motion of your knee. They protect your knees during unusual movements. The medial collateral ligament is on the inside of th knee and the lateral collateral ligament is on the outside.
Cruciate Ligaments
Theese ligaments are inside the knee joint, and cross to form an “X.” The anterior cruciate ligament is in the front and the posterior cruciate ligament is in the back. The cruciate ligament moves your knee back and forth during motion.
Types of Sprains
The knees depend on the ligaments for stability throughout motion. Any direct collision to the knee or hard muscle contraction, such as changing direction rapidly, can cause damage.
Grade 1 Sprain
There is mild damage to the ligament. The ligament has been slightly stretched but is still capable of stabilizing the knee joint.
Grade 2 Sprain
This type of sprain stretches the ligament and loosens it. This is considered a partial tear of the ligament.
Grade 3 Sprain
The ligament has been completely split into two and the knee joint is unstable. This sprain is considered a complete tear of the ligament.
Two or more ligaments can be damaged at the same time, and these multiple injuries can have frightening outcomes. Blood supply to the leg can be slowed or halted. The nerves to the muscles of the limbs can also be damaged. If severe, multiple ligament injuries can result in amputation.
Treatment Options
If you have suffered from a multiple ligament injury a professional should examine your knees. If the injury is severe, an orthopedics surgeon may have to seek help from other specialist.
If you’re dealing with a single ligament tear surgery for combined ligament tears is often recommended and performed soon after the injury occurs. Multiple operations may be need when treating multiple ligament injuries. Multiple ligament injuries used to disrupt athletes and put a hold on their careers. However, today its possible to return to high level sports after these types of injuries.
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