Have you suffered a torn ligament in your knee? Coast Spine and Sports Medicine can help with comprehensive treatments for sports injuries. We welcome men and women in Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA.
What Is a Knee Ligament Tear?
The ligaments of the knee are elastic bands of connective tissue that limit joint movement and offer support. A knee ligament tear happens when the ligament is overstretched or damaged due to a blow to the knee. A ligament tear in the knee is a common sports injury that can happen in almost any sport.
A torn ligament in the knee can be very painful and limit function and movement of the knee. Knee ligament pain is usually severe and sudden and may accompany a loud snapping or popping sound at the time of the injury. You may notice a feeling of looseness in the knee, swelling, and an inability to put weight on your knee without extreme pain.
How Much Does Knee Ligament Repair Cost in Orange County, CA?
The cost of knee ligament reconstruction or repair depends on many factors such as the type of tear, the affected tendon, and the severity of your injury. During your initial consultation, we will create a treatment plan for your injury and review the cost of your care. Coast Spine and Sports Medicine accepts most forms of insurance in addition to financing through CareCredit® to make your treatment as affordable as possible.
What Are the Types of Ligament Tears in Knees?
There are four knee ligaments prone to tearing or becoming injured.
- ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)
- The ACL attaches the thigh bone to the shin bone. When you have a torn ligament in the knee, it’s usually the ACL. The ACL is in the center of the knee and controls the tibia’s forward movement and rotation.
- PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament)
- The PCL attaches the thigh bone to the shin bone. This ligament controls the tibia’s backward movement. It’s uncommon to tear the PCL ligament outside of traffic accidents and direct blows such as football tackles.
- LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament)
- The LCL attaches the thigh bone to the fibula of the lower leg on the outer edge of the knee. This ligament gives your outer knee stability.
- MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament)
- The MCL attaches the shin bone to the thigh bone inside the knee. The MCL gives your inner knee stability. It may be torn by a blow to the outer side of the knee.
How Are Knee Ligament Tears Treated in Orange County, CA?
Early intervention is important to help the ligament heal as completely as possible and restore full strength and range of motion to the knee. For mild to moderate ligament tears, treatment may involve rest, ice therapy, compression, and elevation. A knee brace and physical therapy can also help treat a torn ligament.
Knee ligament repair surgery may be required in the case of a complete tear or instability of the knee. This procedure usually involves replacing the ligament with a healthy section of tendon from the hamstring, as an example, which is grafted in place. In most cases, torn collateral ligament tears of the MCL and LCL do not require surgery. A complete tear in a cruciate ligament (the PCL or ACL) usually requires reconstructive knee surgery.
If you have suffered a torn knee ligament, call us today to schedule your appointment with Coast Spine and Sports Medicine. We will work with you to develop a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan that helps you heal as quickly as possible and regain knee stability and strength. We welcome patients in Orange County and Los Angeles County, CA.