Your knees work hard each day. So it’s not surprising that problems fan develop. Injury, overuse, weakness, or aging can harm your knees. Ligaments play a big role in bracing your knee joints for these activities. But when you injure a ligament you may feel as though your knees won’t allow you to move or even to hold you up. To help you move in comfort again, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend arthroscopy.

Torn Ligaments

Two ligaments in your knees are more prone to injury than others. Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), in the center of the knee, is the commonly injured by a twist. Losing control of your skis or falling off a ladder, for example, are both setups for an ACL injury. Your medial collateral ligament (MCL), on the inside of your knee, is vulnerable to blows from the side, common in contact sports like football. Either injury may weaken your knee joint, making it wobbly and causing a variety of symptoms. It=f left untreated, more serious problems can de develop.

A Healthy Knee

The knee joins the upper and lower leg bones (femur and tibia). A cushion of cartilage (meniscus) sits between these bones. The ends of the bones and back of the kneecap (patella) are covered by smooth articular cartilage. This helps the joint move easily. Soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) make the knee stable and strong.

Common Knee Problems

Meniscus Tears

A sudden twist or repeated squatting can tear the meniscus. This may make your knee hurt or swell. Your knee may also catch or lock when you move it.

ACL Ligament Tears

A fall, twist, or blow may tear the anterior cruciate ligament. ACL tears can cause pain, swelling, and an unstable knee.

Cartilage Wear

Aging or injury may wear away articular cartilage. A piece may break off in the joint. You may feel pain, stiffness, or grinding.

Patella Problems

Aging, overuse, or injury may damage cartilage under the patella. This can limit joint movement. Structural problems may cause uneven wearing or pain

Common Treatment Options

Meniscus Removal or Repair

Your surgeon may remove or repair damaged meniscal tissue. Torn tissue on the inside of the meniscal tissue is often removed. Newly torn tissue on the outer edge of the meniscus can often be repaired. This tissue gets enough blood to heal properly.

Ligament Reconstruction

Your surgeon can reconstruct a damaged anterior cruciate ligament. The damaged tissue is replaced with health, strong tissue (a graft). The graft may come from the patellar ligament or from another source.

Cartilage Shaving or Removal

Your surgeon may smooth or shrink rough cartilage by shaving it or using a thermal device. Or, your surgeon may drill exposed bone to make the cartilage grow. Any loose bodies may be removed.

Patella Smoothing or Release

Your surgeon may smooth or shrink bands of cartilage under the paella by shaving them or using a thermal device. If the patella is tilted, your surgeon may clip bands of tissue. This is called a lateral release. It aligns the patella with the femur.