Knee Ligaments Flashcards
What are ligaments made up of?
dense, regular type I collagen fibres, interspersed with fibrocytes and a small amount of ground substance
what are the attachments of the medial collateral ligament?
O: Medial epicondyle of the femur
I: To the shaft of tibia
I: Superficial fibres to the tibial tuberosity
I: Deep fibres to the medial meniscus and capsule
What is the function of the medial collateral ligament?
mediolateral stability
Prevents valgus stress on knee joint
Contributes to the locking mechanism,
How is the MCL usually torn?
High impact valgus blow to the knee, OR non-contact external rotation force
What are the signs of an MCL tear?
immediate pain localized to the medial side of the knee
Effusion gradually onsets over a few hours
What are the attachments of the LCL?
O: lateral epicondyle of femur
I: lateral surface of fibular head
What is the function of the LCL?
mediolateral stability
Prevents varus stress on knee joint
Contributes to the locking mechanism,
How is the LCL usually torn?
High impact varus (medial strike) to the knee
How are Collateral Ligament injuries managed?
Good healing capacity so usually managed conservatiely - brace used to minimize varus/valgus forces during the healing process
ongoing instability = surgical repair
What are the attachments of the ACL?
from the anterior tibial spine to the medial surface of the lateral femoral condyle
What are the functions of the ACL?
The anteromedial band limits flexion
Posterolateral band limits extension
OVERALL - limits anterior draw and medial rotation of the knee
What is the MOI for ACL tear?
Sudden deceleration combined with a change of direction
- combined valgus, anterior displacement and internal rotation of the tibia
OR a direct blow causing hyperextension of the knee
What are the signs of an ACL tear?
significant pain, popping or ‘giving way’, immediate haemoarthrosis
How is an ACL injury managed?
A graded physiotherapy rehabilitation program including quadriceps control training
If still unstable after conservative management then surgery required - graft using hamstring or patellar tendon
What are the attachments of the PCL?
from the posterior intercondylar area of tibia to the medial femoral condyle
