Four Knee Ligament Injury Treatments Offered by the Top Knee Doctors in Trenton

Trenton Orthopaedic Group at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute features the top regional knee specialists.

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is nationally renowned for its orthopaedic knee care. From physical therapy to total knee replacement, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is recognized for offering patients the most advanced treatment options available.

Knee patients in the Trenton, NJ area can now receive specialized care that features the resources, methods, and reliability of Trenton Orthopaedic Group at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. With convenient locations in the Trenton suburbs,Trenton Orthopaedic Group is proud to have partnered with Rothman Orthopaedic Institute to ensure that local knee patients have access to the most advanced care and top knee doctors in Trenton.

Effective Treatments For Four Common Knee Ligament Injuries

There are numerous injuries and conditions that may affect the knee, and no two patients with knee conditions are the same. Consequently, effective treatment regimes are dynamic. They are adapted to the particular nature of the featured knee condition or issue and will differ depending on severity, the age of the patient, and a number of other key factors.

There are, however, treatments that orthopaedic doctors in Trenton typically recommend for common issues; and among the most commonly treated issues are injuries to the knee ligaments. Listed below are four of the key knee ligament injuries that Trenton Orthopaedic Group at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute specializes in treating and the respective knee treatment options that are generally prescribed.

1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
   The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most injury-prone ligaments of the knee, especially among athletes. When functioning properly, the ACL prevents the tibia from moving in front of the femur and enables rotational stability of the knee joint. A sudden stop, directional change, or collision may cause a sprain or tear of this critical ligament.
   
   The appropriate ACL treatment will depend upon the severity of the injury, the pre-injury activity level of the patient, as well as the demands required for the knee by the patient’s occupation or sports. A stretched or mildly damaged ACL can be repaired with bracing and physical therapy, while complete tears typically require grafting and reconstructive surgery in order to heal.

2. Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
   Less common than ACL tears, tears of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) occur as the result of either a great, traumatic blow to the knee or hyperextension of the affected ligament. PCL injuries often occur alongside damage to other knee ligaments and tissues.
   
   PCL injuries vary greatly in their severity. If only the PCL is injured, rest, ice, compression, elevation, immobilization, and physical therapy can often effectively heal the damaged ligament. If the PCL is severely torn or if there are combined injuries, then reconstructive surgery will likely be required.

3. Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries
   Injuries to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) occur as the result of an impact to the inside of the knee; this most often occurs during athletic activity but may likewise result from any traumatic accident that causes a sudden blow to the knee.
   
   LCL injuries are typically treated with icing, bracing, and physical therapy, as well as activity modification and rest. Surgery is generally not required unless associated ligaments have also been injured in your traumatic accident.

4. Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries
   The medial collateral ligament (MCL) functions to connect the femur to the tibia. Along with the LCL, the MCL likewise helps to prevent sideways movement of the knee. A direct, traumatic impact to the outer side of the knee that pushes the knee inward may result in a sprain or tear of the MCL. Such an injury causes symptoms of knee pain, swelling, and instability in the inside of the knee.
   
   Much like the LCL, MCL injuries rarely require reconstructive surgery. Typically, a personalized treatment plan composed of icing, bracing, and physical therapy is sufficient for healing.

Top Treatments by Top Knee Doctors in Trenton

There is a broad spectrum of knee conditions that affect orthopaedic patients, such as the above-mentioned injuries to knee ligaments. At Trenton Orthopaedic Group at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we feature care that addresses a wide number of conditions while approaching each condition and case with targeted attention and highly specialized treatment.

Our knee doctors in Trenton are subspecialized, meaning that each patient is paired with a physician who has extensive skill and experience treating their particular issue or condition. The end product of broad treatment options and targeted, specialized care is a faster and more effective recovery for knee patients. To learn more about knee treatments at Trenton Orthopaedic Group at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute or to schedule an appointment, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.