Cruciate Ligaments

• The cruciate ligaments in your knee help control the back and forth motion of the joint. They form an "X" pattern in the joint. The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is on the front side of the knee and the posterior cruciate ligament, or LCL, is on the back side of the knee. These ligaments work in unison to help stabilize the knee joint along with the collateral ligaments.
  
  

Collateral Ligaments

• There are two collateral ligaments. The medial collateral ligament, MCL, and the lateral collateral ligament, LCL. The MCL connects the femur to the tibia. The LCL connects the femur to the smaller bone in the leg, the fibula. These ligaments help to stabilize your knee joint during side-to-side motion. They also help to brace the knee joint against any unusual movement.
  
  

Injury Causes

• Most collateral ligament injuries are caused by a sudden blow or force to the knee joint. This often occurs in contact sports but can also happen due to a fall or missed step. As a result of a direct blow that forces the knee in toward the other knee, the MCL can be sprained or torn. When the knee is pushed outward due to force, damage to the LCL usually occurs.
  
  

Symptoms

• Injuries to the collateral ligaments usually result in instability. This can cause uncertainty with footing and make it difficult to walk. Pain and swelling will also occur. Inside knee pain is caused by an injury to the medial collateral ligament. Outside knee pain is caused by an injury to the lateral collateral ligament.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment will depend on the grade of the injury. Grade one sprains are considered mild and mean that the joint has maintained most of its stability. Grade two sprains are those injuries that result in a partial tear of the ligament. Grade three sprains are severe. They result is a complete tear and complete loss of stability of the joint. Grade one and two sprains are generally treated with ice, rest and anti-inflammatory medication for the swelling and pain. Crutches will also help to keep weight off the joint. The physician may also provide a brace to be worn during activity once the injury has healed and you are cleared to participate again. Grade three sprains may require surgery if the tear is such that it won't heal on its own.