What to do if you have a torn knee ligament

  Knee ligament injuries include medial and lateral collateral ligament injuries of the knee and cruciate ligament injuries of the knee. The medial and lateral collateral ligament injuries are a more common type of knee ligament injury. Ligament injuries are generally classified into three degrees: degree I, ligament strain without instability; degree II, excessive ligament strain with instability, but no ligament disruption; degree III, complete ligament rupture.  For medial collateral ligament injury with partial rupture: the injury site should be dressed with cold compresses, and surgical treatment is generally not required. Braking in the extension position for 3-4 weeks. Physiotherapy and muscle training 2 days after the injury. Early joint movement can speed up the recovery of joint function. Patients with complete ruptures: For fresh ruptures, surgical repair should be performed once diagnosed. Surgery should be performed along with treatment of combined injuries, such as meniscal tears and cruciate ligament injuries. For ruptures in the upper and middle segments, depending on the patient’s condition, cast braking for 6-8 weeks may be used, which can also achieve certain results. However, if the rupture is at the lower end, it must be surgically repositioned and sutured. For old ruptures, those with joint instability should be treated surgically. Regarding lateral collateral ligament rupture, fresh rupture should be surgically sutured promptly. Most old ruptures have no symptoms of instability, and if there is instability, the biceps femoris tendon can be repaired. For ruptures of the cruciate ligament, simple ACL rupture or incomplete rupture, non-sports professionals older than 35 years of age can be treated conservatively.  Since ligament rupture can cause instability in the knee joint and seriously affect its function, early and accurate diagnosis and timely treatment is the key to ensuring restoration of knee function.