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:

1. Motor vehicle accidents
2. Falls from significant heights
3. Direct impact injuries (e.g., sports tackles)
4. 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

1. Severe pain in the knee joint
2. Immediate swelling and joint effusion
3. Instability while walking or standing
4. Limited range of motion
5. Difficulty bearing weight on the knee

Diagnosis of Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries

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

Treatment Options for Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries

Non-Surgical Treatments

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

Surgical Treatments

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

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

1. Initial Phase: Pain management, swelling reduction, and mobility exercises.
2. Strengthening Phase: Gradual strengthening of knee muscles.
3. 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.