The knee is one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints and plays an important role in walking, pivoting, climbing, and athletic movement. Damage to one or more knee ligaments can cause pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty returning to normal activities.
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, and more than 100,000 patient evaluations. He treats knee ligament injuries with individualized plans that may include bracing, physical therapy, ligament repair, or ligament reconstruction. The recommended approach depends on the ligament involved, the severity and location of the tear, and the patient’s activity goals.
Knee Anatomy
The knee is one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints and plays an important role in walking, pivoting, climbing, and athletic movement. Damage to one or more knee ligaments can cause pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty returning to normal activities.
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, and more than 100,000 patient evaluations. He treats knee ligament injuries with individualized plans that may include bracing, physical therapy, ligament repair, or ligament reconstruction. The recommended approach depends on the ligament involved, the severity and location of the tear, and the patient’s activity goals.
ACL Repair And Reconstruction
Anterior cruciate ligament injuries may be treated with primary repair or reconstruction, depending on the location and pattern of the tear, tissue quality, activity demands, and time since the injury.
Primary ACL repair may be considered for selected tears in which the ligament tissue can be reattached. In qualifying cases, Dr. Cohen may use the TightRope® RT implant with InternalBrace™ ligament augmentation to support the repaired ligament during healing.
ACL reconstruction replaces the damaged ligament with a tissue graft and may be recommended when the ACL cannot be reliably repaired.
What Is A Knee Ligament Injury?
A knee ligament injury, commonly called a sprain, occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. The injury may involve a mild partial tear, a more significant tear, or a complete rupture.
Symptoms and instability vary depending on which ligament is injured and whether other structures, such as the meniscus or cartilage, are also damaged. Some ligament injuries improve with bracing, activity modification, and physical therapy. Others may require surgical repair or reconstruction.
Treatment recommendations are based on the ligament involved, the severity and location of the tear, the time since the injury, age, activity level, and the degree of knee instability.
Knee Ligament Injury Symptoms
Symptoms of a knee ligament injury may include:
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Sudden knee pain
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Swelling
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Bruising
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A popping sensation at the time of injury
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Difficulty placing weight on the leg
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Reduced range of motion
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A feeling that the knee is unstable or may give way
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Tenderness along the inner, outer, front, or back of the knee
The exact symptoms depend on the ligament involved and the severity of the injury.
Diagnosing A Knee Ligament Injury
Diagnosis begins with a review of how the injury occurred, when symptoms started, and whether the knee feels unstable. During the physical examination, Dr. Cohen evaluates swelling, tenderness, range of motion, strength, and ligament stability.
X-rays may be used to rule out fractures or identify bone injuries associated with the ligament tear. An MRI may be recommended to confirm the location and severity of the damage and evaluate the meniscus, cartilage, and other ligaments.
These findings help determine whether nonsurgical treatment, ligament repair, or ligament reconstruction is most appropriate.
Knee Ligament Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the ligament involved, the severity of the tear, knee stability, associated injuries, and the patient’s activity goals. Mild or isolated injuries may improve with nonsurgical care, while complete tears or persistent instability may require surgery.
Ligament repair preserves and reattaches the patient’s existing ligament when the tissue and tear pattern are suitable. Ligament reconstruction replaces the damaged ligament with a graft when repair is not likely to provide reliable stability.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Selected knee ligament injuries can be treated without surgery.
Nonsurgical care may include:
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Activity modification
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Rest from painful or high-risk activities
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Ice and compression
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Medication for pain and inflammation
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A hinged knee brace
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Physical therapy
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Progressive strengthening and balance exercises
The goal is to reduce pain and swelling, restore motion and strength, and improve knee stability. Dr. Cohen monitors progress and may reconsider surgical treatment if instability or functional limitations continue.
Ligament Repair Surgery Details
Ligament repair surgery is designed to preserve and reattach an injured knee ligament. Whether repair is appropriate depends on the ligament involved, the location and age of the tear, tissue quality, knee stability, associated injuries, and the patient’s activity needs.
Physical therapy may be recommended before surgery to reduce swelling and improve range of motion. Anesthesia is administered based on the surgical plan and the patient’s medical needs.
Dr. Cohen may perform the repair with arthroscopic assistance. During arthroscopy, a small camera is inserted through an incision to provide a clear view inside the knee. Specialized instruments are then used to reattach or reinforce the ligament. Some injuries may require additional or larger incisions to complete the repair.
Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
Ligament reconstruction may be recommended when the torn ligament cannot be reliably repaired. During reconstruction, the damaged ligament is replaced with a tissue graft that is positioned to restore knee stability.
The graft may come from another tendon in the patient’s body or from donor tissue. The recommended graft and surgical technique depend on the ligament involved, the patient’s age, activity level, anatomy, and previous injuries.
Reconstruction is commonly used for ACL tears and may also be considered for selected PCL or multiligament injuries.
Ligament Surgery Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery after both ligament repair and reconstruction. The program is designed to protect the healing ligament or graft while gradually restoring knee motion, strength, balance, and stability.
Recovery may involve:
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Temporary use of crutches
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A knee brace
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Weight-bearing restrictions
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Range-of-motion exercises
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Progressive strengthening
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Balance and coordination training
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Sport- or work-specific rehabilitation
The recovery timeline depends on the ligament treated, the surgical procedure, associated injuries, overall health, and activity goals. Dr. Cohen and the rehabilitation team provide individualized guidance throughout the process.
Knee Ligament Injury Care in Chillicothe, OH
Knee ligament injuries may be treated with bracing, physical therapy, ligament repair, or reconstruction, depending on the severity of the tear and the stability of the joint. Dr. Cohen evaluates the injured ligament, associated damage, and each patient’s activity goals before recommending care. Treatment and rehabilitation are personalized to restore strength, movement, and dependable knee function. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
