Knee Ligament Injuries

A common knee ligament injury affecting stability and movement

Your knee is stabilised by four main ligaments that help support movement, protect the joint, and allow you to walk, bend, pivot, and run. These ligaments can become stretched or torn due to trauma or sporting injuries, potentially leading to pain, swelling, and joint instability. Dr George Awwad provides comprehensive care for acute and chronic knee ligament injuries, offering both non-surgical and surgical management tailored to your level of activity, goals, and recovery needs.

The major knee ligaments

There are four primary ligaments in the knee that support joint stability:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): Prevents the shin bone (tibia) from sliding too far forward and controls rotational movement.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): Prevents the tibia from moving too far backward and supports the knee during deceleration.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Provides stability to the inner (medial) side of the knee.
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): Supports the outer (lateral) side of the knee.

Damage to one or more of these ligaments can cause instability and limit your ability to perform daily or athletic activities.

Causes of knee ligament injuries

Knee ligament injuries are often caused by:

Sudden changes in direction or pivoting movements
Landing awkwardly from a jump
Direct impact to the knee (e.g. sporting tackle or fall)
Hyperextension of the knee joint
Twisting injuries during sport or physical activity

High-impact sports like football, netball, skiing, and basketball are commonly associated with ligament injuries.

Signs and symptoms of a ligament injury

The symptoms you experience may vary depending on which ligament is affected, but common signs include:

A popping sound or sensation at the time of injury
Immediate pain and swelling
Instability or the feeling of the knee “giving way”
Reduced range of motion
Difficulty walking, bearing weight, or returning to sport
Bruising or tenderness around the joint

If more than one ligament is injured, symptoms may be more severe, and the risk of long-term instability or damage to cartilage and menisci increases.

Diagnosing ligament injuries

A thorough clinical assessment by Dr Awwad is the first step in evaluating your knee. This will include:

A discussion of the mechanism of injury, symptoms, and functional limitations
A physical examination to assess joint stability, swelling, and range of motion
X-rays, where necessary, to exclude bone injuries
MRI scanning to confirm the specific ligament injury and assess for associated damage to cartilage, bone, or menisci

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the specific ligament injured, the severity of the damage, your level of activity, and any associated injuries.

Non-surgical treatments

Partial tears or low-grade ligament sprains may be managed conservatively with:

Surgical treatment: ACL reconstruction

Surgery may be recommended for:

Complete ligament ruptures (e.g. ACL, PCL)
Multiligament injuries (involving more than one ligament)
Persistent instability that does not improve with physiotherapy
Athletes or physically active individuals aiming to return to sport

Surgical techniques may include:

Dr Awwad will discuss the most appropriate approach based on your diagnosis, anatomy, and goals.

When to seek orthopaedic care

If you’ve experienced a knee injury with swelling, instability, or difficulty bearing weight, early assessment may help prevent further damage. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment may support faster recovery and a more successful return to activity. Dr George Awwad provides tailored care for knee ligament injuries, from early diagnosis and imaging through to surgical reconstruction and rehabilitation. Whether you’re an athlete or simply want to return to pain-free movement, Dr Awwad can help you understand your options.