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Knee

Multi-Ligament Knee Tear

What are the main ligaments of the knee?

The knee has four main stabilizing ligaments:

  • ACL (anterior cruciate ligament): prevents forward movement of the tibia.
  • PCL (posterior cruciate ligament): prevents backward movement.
  • MCL (medial collateral ligament): stabilizes the inner knee.
  • LCL (lateral collateral ligament): stabilizes the outer knee.

These ligaments work together to support motion and maintain knee stability.

A multi-ligament knee injury occurs when two or more of the major knee ligaments are torn in the same injury. These are serious injuries that often involve knee instability, nerve or vascular damage, and require urgent medical attention.

Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, inability to walk, and a feeling that the knee is unstable or “giving out.” There may also be bruising, numbness, or tingling if nerves are affected.

These injuries usually result from high-energy trauma, such as a car accident, fall from a height, or sports collision. The force needed to tear multiple ligaments often causes damage to other structures, including cartilage, nerves, and blood vessels.

Diagnosis involves a thorough physical exam and careful evaluation of blood flow and nerve function. X-rays are used to check for fractures, while MRI shows the extent of ligament and soft tissue damage. Vascular imaging may be needed to assess blood vessel injury in severe cases.

In some circumstances, knee ligament injuries can be treated without surgery. However, for most patients, treatment usually requires surgery to repair or reconstruct the torn ligaments. Timing depends on swelling, stability, and overall knee function. In some cases, emergency surgery may be needed first for vascular repair, followed by staged ligament reconstruction.

Recovery is extensive and often takes 9 to 12 months or more. Patients typically use a brace and crutches initially. Physical therapy progresses slowly to protect the repairs while restoring motion, strength, and stability. Long-term outcomes vary based on injury severity and rehab progress.

If you are seeking expert care for a multi-ligament knee tear, schedule a consultation with board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Sachin Allahabadi. Dr. Allahabadi specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of multi-ligament knee tears, and is widely regarded as one of the leading knee surgeons serving The Woodlands and Houston, Texas, and the surrounding communities. He sees patients at his offices in The Woodlands and the Creekside West Woodlands and proudly treats patients from The Woodlands and Houston,Texas.

At a Glance

Sachin Allahabadi, MD

  • Board-Certified & Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon
  • Expertise in Minimally Invasive Knee & Shoulder Surgeries
  • Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital & Weill Cornell Medical College
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