MCL, PCL And Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries
Complex ligament damage affecting knee stability
The knee is supported by four major ligaments that keep your knee stable and functional: the medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Injuries to the MCL and PCL, or multiple ligaments at once, can significantly affect how your knee works. If you’re dealing with one of these injuries, it’s important to seek personalised care to restore your knee’s stability and function. Dr Liddell specialises in diagnosing and treating these types of injuries, using a patient-centred approach that’s focused on helping you regain mobility and quality of life.
WHAT ARE MCL AND PCL INJURIES?
- MCL Injury: The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs along the inner side of your knee, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). This ligament is essential for keeping your knee stable during side-to-side movements and preventing it from bending inward. Injuries to the MCL often happen when there’s a direct blow to the outer knee, such as during contact sports like rugby or football. MCL injuries can range from mild strains to more serious tears. You may experience pain, swelling, and instability depending on the severity of the injury.
- PCL Injury: The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) s located at the back of your knee and plays a crucial role in stopping the shin bone from moving too far backward in relation to the thigh bone. PCL injuries typically occur from direct trauma to the knee when it’s bent, which is common in car accidents or during sports like rugby. While less common than ACL injuries, PCL injuries can be just as severe, ranging from mild sprains to complete tears.
- Multi-ligament knee injuries: A multi-ligament knee injury happens when more than one ligament in your knee is damaged. These injuries are usually the result of high-impact trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or severe sports injuries. When more than one ligament, like the ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL, is affected, it can make your knee unstable and significantly limit your ability to walk or perform other daily activities. Multi-ligament injuries are often complicated by other knee issues, such as cartilage damage or meniscus tears, and require a specialised treatment approach to restore stability and function.
SYMPTOMS OF MCL, PCL, AND MULTI-LIGAMENT INJURIES
If you’ve injured your knee’s ligaments, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Pain: Often on the inner side of the knee for MCL injuries or the back of the knee for PCL injuries. Multi-ligament injuries may cause generalised knee pain.
- Swelling: Swelling may occur rapidly after the injury, particularly with multi-ligament injuries.
- Instability: A feeling that the knee is giving way or unable to support weight.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee, particularly in the case of PCL injuries.
- Bruising and Tenderness: Especially along the inner side of the knee in MCL injuries or at the back of the knee for PCL injuries.
DIAGNOSIS OF KNEE LIGAMENT INJURIES
Accurately diagnosing your ligament injury is the first step to getting the right treatment. Dr Liddell will begin by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination to assess your knee’s stability and identify which ligaments are involved. During the exam, Dr Liddell may move your knee in specific ways to check for looseness or instability.
To confirm the extent of the injury and check for other damage, you may need imaging studies like X-rays or an MRI. These scans will give a clear picture of your knee’s ligaments, tendons, and bones, helping Dr Liddell plan the most effective treatment approach for you.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MCL, PCL, AND MULTI-LIGAMENT INJURIES
The treatment for your ligament injury will depend on the severity of the damage and your goals. Dr Liddell offers both non-surgical and surgical treatments, based on what’s best for your situation.
Non-Surgical Treatments
If your injury is mild or moderate and does not cause significant instability, you may not need surgery. Dr Liddell may recommend:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): To help manage swelling and pain.
- Knee Bracing: Wearing a brace can help stabilise your knee as it heals.
- Physiotherapy: A rehabilitation plan with specific exercises will help strengthen the muscles around your knee, improving stability and range of motion. This is especially effective for isolated MCL or PCL injuries.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: Medications like NSAIDs can help reduce pain and swelling during the healing process.
Surgical Treatments
If your injury is severe, involves multiple ligaments, or causes ongoing instability, surgery may be necessary. Dr Liddell will work with you to determine the most appropriate surgical approach, which may involve:
- MCL Reconstruction: If your MCL is completely torn or non-surgical treatment doesn’t work, surgery may be needed to repair or reconstruct the ligament using a graft.
- PCL Reconstruction: Complete PCL tears often require surgery, as the ligament has limited healing capacity on its own. The procedure involves replacing the torn PCL with a graft to restore knee stability.
- Multi-Ligament Reconstruction: When more than one ligament is injured, a combination of surgeries may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments.
To reduce the risk of further injury, Dr Liddell recommends focusing on strengthening exercises to build the muscles around your knee. He may also advise on techniques to improve your balance and agility, as well as proper form when engaging in sports or high-impact activities.