Knee ligaments Flashcards
What are the 4 major ligaments of the knee?
Anterior collateral ligament
Posterior collateral ligament
Medial collateral ligament
Lateral collateral ligament
What is the role of the ACL?
Provides rotational stability and resists anterior translation of the tibia
What is the role of the PCL?
Resists posterior translation of the femur
What is the role of the MCL?
Resists valgus force on knee
What is the role of the LCL?
Resists varus force
What are the two types of meniscal problems in the knee?
Degeneative
Acute
Which is more common; acute or degenerative meniscal problems?
Degenerative
When is an acute meniscal problem likely to occur?
In a younger patient; often sport related
What is locking?
An inability to fully straighten the knee due to a mechanical block, usually a piece of cartilage or loose body
Which is more common; MCL or LCL injury?
MCL
What is a grade 1 collateral ligament injury?
Pain/ tenderness but no laxity (sometimes called a sprain)
What is a grade 2 collateral ligament injury?
Mild laxity but with end point- partial tearing of the ligament
What is a grade 3 collateral ligament injury?
Significant laxity and no end point- complete rupture of the ligament
How is an ACL injury likely to happen?
Twisting injury, fall,
What are the symptoms of an ACL injury ?
Pop sound after falling, immediate swelling, difficulty weight bearing
