Knee ligament sprain

Description A common injury fro...

Description

A common injury from a forceful twisting of the knee causing stretching and/or tearing of the ligaments in the knee without any broken bones. The knee joint has four major ligaments that may be injured called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Often times during a knee sprain more than one ligament is affected. Sprains are commonly graded in a severity range from Grade I (mild) to Grade III (severe). Most mild sprains heal on their own with just rest. Severe injuries may need immobilization and/or surgical repair.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain with weight bearing, swelling, bruising, tenderness, decreased motion, and a feeling of instability.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A specific exam to test the ligaments in the knee will be conducted. An x-ray may be helpful to rule out a fracture. An MRI can identify the torn ligament and assess the extent of damage.

Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray

Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine Surgery

Treatment

Most mild sprains heal on their own with just rest. Treatment includes: immobilization, ice, elevation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Physical therapy and therapeutic ultrasound may be helpful. For severe sprains that do not improve with other treatments, more prolonged immobilization and/or surgery may be required.