Naples Orthopedic Surgeon – Dr. Robert J. Zehr The Zehr Center

I frequently read in sports journals about the two main ligaments in the knee. I understand the anterior cruciate ligament is the one that’s most often injured. Is it possible to tear both ligaments at the same time?

Yes. High-velocity or high-energy accidents in contact sports can cause damage to both ligaments in the knee. This can also happen in car accidents if the knee impacts the dashboard. Injuring both ligaments makes the knee very unstable. This causes problems walking and using the knee.

With this much damage, surgery is the preferred treatment. The surgeon will repair as much as possible at one time, but these are time-consuming operations. Sometimes a second surgery is needed to finish the repair. The first and most important surgery is to repair the posterior cruciate ligament and surrounding structures. These must be repaired at the same time because these tissues work together to help stabilize the knee.

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.

Six months ago, my doctor reconstructed my torn ACL using a piece of the tendon and bone from below my kneecap. I completed physical therapy and still feel like the knee isn’t going to hold me. My doctor says the surgery was a success and the knee is as “tight,” if not tighter, than before my injury. If that’s the case, why do I feel so unsteady on the leg?

There are several tests physicians use to check the integrity or strength of the repaired ligament. One of these is the pivot-shift test, in which the doctor applies pressure to the lower leg just below the knee. A “tight” joint will not shift or move with this test.

Your sense that the leg is not steady or stable enough to hold you may be caused by muscle weakness. When the replacement tissue for the torn ligament is taken from below the kneecap, the quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh may lose strength. You may need some additional strengthening exercises. Contact your physical therapist for a follow-up evaluation.

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.