Four main ligaments connect the femur, or thighbone, to the bones of the lower leg and help keep the knee stable. These include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
Injuries to these ligaments can cause pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty walking, exercising, or returning to sports. Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who provides knee ligament injury treatment in Columbus, OH. He evaluates the location and severity of the injury before recommending nonsurgical care, ligament repair, or ligament reconstruction.
Knee Ligament Types
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) (opens in new tab) runs diagonally in the middle of your knee. The ACL controls rotation and forward motion of the tibia. It is one of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee. Approximately 150,000 ACL injuries occur in the United States each year. About half of all ACL injuries occur in combination with injury to the meniscus, articular cartilage, or other ligaments.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
Your posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) (opens in new tab) is the strongest ligament in your knee. It is located in the back of the knee. It prevents the shinbone from slipping too far back. Injuries to the PCL are not as common as other knee ligament injuries.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
Your medial collateral ligament (MCL) is on the inside of your knee and connects the femur to the tibia. Your MCL gives stability to the inner knee. MCL injuries are more common than LCL injuries. MCLs are sometimes injured at the same time as other structures of the knee. A common combination is a tear of the MCL and a tear of the ACL.
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
Your lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is on the outer side of your knee and connects the femur to the fibula (the smaller bone in the lower leg). This ligament gives stability to the outer knee. LCL injuries are less common than MCL or ACL injuries. They are most often seen in athletes along with other knee injuries.
ACL Primary Repair Using the TightRope® RT Implant With InternalBrace™ Ligament Augmentation
Ligament Treatment Options
Ligament injuries are called sprains. A ligament injury in the knee may require ligament repair or reconstruction surgery. Dr. Cohen will discuss your ligament injury treatment options with you. Your treatment options will depend on your age and the age of your injury as well as the severity of your ligament injury.
Ligament Reconstruction
Ligament reconstruction surgery (opens in new tab) involves replacing the torn ligament with a tissue graft taken from another part of your body (autograft) or from a human cadaver (allograft). Ligament reconstruction surgery is typically done as an arthroscopic-assisted procedure, which is a minimally invasive surgery.
Ligament Repair
Ligament repair surgery (opens in new tab) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves reattaching the torn ligament. The process involves Dr. Cohen attaching the torn ligament to the bone utilizing anchors and sutures. Ligament repair surgery is less common than ligament reconstruction surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Knee Ligament Injury Treatment in Columbus, OH
A knee ligament injury can cause pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty returning to daily activities or sports. Dr. Cohen can evaluate the damaged ligament and determine whether nonsurgical treatment, repair, or reconstruction may be appropriate.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
