Multiligament Injury

Multiligament Knee Injury

By Dr. Kanta Prasad (MBBS, MS – Orthopaedics)What Is a Multiligament Knee Injury?

A multiligament knee injury (MLKI) occurs when two or more major ligaments of the knee are torn. These ligaments include:

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)

  • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)

Such injuries cause severe knee instability and are usually associated with high-energy trauma. Multiligament knee injuries are serious conditions and require early diagnosis and specialized treatment.

Causes & Risk Factors

Multiligament knee injuries commonly result from:

  • Road traffic accidents (high-velocity trauma)

  • Knee dislocation

  • Fall from height

  • Severe sports injuries (football, kabaddi, wrestling, skiing)

  • Direct blow or twisting injury to the knee

Symptoms of Multiligament Knee Injury

Patients with multiligament injuries may experience:

  • Severe knee pain and swelling

  • Gross knee instability or deformity

  • Difficulty or inability to walk

  • Limited range of knee motion

  • Numbness or weakness in the leg (possible nerve injury)

  • Coldness or color change in the foot (possible vascular injury)

Diagnosis

Dr. Kanta Prasad evaluates multiligament knee injuries through:

  • Detailed clinical examination and stability tests

  • X-rays to assess fractures or knee dislocation

  • MRI scan to identify ligament tears, meniscus injury, cartilage damage, and muscle injury

  • Doppler or CT angiography if vascular injury is suspected

  • Nerve examination when required

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type of ligaments injured, severity, associated injuries, and patient activity level.

1. Initial (Emergency) Management

  • Knee immobilization

  • Pain control and swelling reduction

  • Assessment and management of vascular or nerve injury

2. Non-Surgical Treatment

Conservative treatment may be considered in:

  • Partial ligament tears

  • Low-demand or elderly patients

  • Patients unfit for surgery

This includes:

  • Hinged knee brace

  • Physiotherapy for muscle strengthening and stability

3. Surgical Treatment

Surgery is the preferred treatment for most multiligament knee injuries in active individuals.

Arthroscopic and Open Ligament Reconstruction

  • Reconstruction of two or more ligaments using tendon grafts

  • May be done in a single-stage or staged manner

  • Corrects instability and restores knee alignment and function

Recovery & Rehabilitation

  • Prolonged and structured rehabilitation is essential

  • Knee brace support for several weeks

  • Gradual progression of motion, strength, and balance

  • Return to daily activities in 3–4 months

  • Return to sports or heavy work in 9–12 months

  • Good to excellent outcomes with expert surgical care and physiotherapy

When to Consult an Orthopaedic Specialist

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

  • Severe knee injury after accident or fall

  • Knee dislocation or visible deformity

  • Persistent swelling and instability

  • Numbness, weakness, or cold foot after knee injury

  • Sports-related knee trauma with loss of function


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Our Specialities

Shoulder Injury

Shoulder Injury

Sports Injury

Orthopedic Treatment

Bone Treatment

Hospital Address

Apex Ranthambore Sevika Hospital

Address:

Apex Ranthambore Sevika Hospital, Vinayak Nagar, Housing Board, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

Consulting Hours:

Monday – Saturday – 10:00am – 05:00pm

Phone:

+91 9782047038

Email:

drkp06@gmail.com

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