What is knee ligament repair?
Ligaments are bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that surround a joint to give support and limit the joint’s movement.
When ligaments are damaged, the knee joint may become unstable. Ligament damage often occurs from asports injury. A torn ligament severely limits knee movement, resulting in the inability to pivot, turn, or twist the leg. Surgery is an option to repair a torn ligament if other medical treatment is not effective.
There are 4 major ligaments in the knee. The ligaments in the knee connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin bone), and include the following:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ligament, located in the center of the knee, that controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shin bone).
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The ligament, located in the center of the knee, that controls backward movement of the tibia (shin bone).
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL). The ligament that gives stability to the inner knee.
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The ligament that gives stability to the outer knee.