The knee is one of the most complex and vital joints in the human body, responsible for supporting your weight, absorbing impact, and allowing movement. Four main ligaments stabilize the knee — the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL).
When one of these ligaments is stretched or torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and instability that limit mobility and performance. Ligament injuries are among the most common knee problems in athletes, but they can also occur from falls, car accidents, or sudden twists during daily activities.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas receive advanced diagnostic and treatment options for ligament injuries — from conservative therapy to cutting-edge, robotic-assisted reconstruction.
Each ligament serves a specific function in stabilizing and supporting knee movement:
- ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament): Prevents the tibia from sliding forward and provides rotational stability.
- PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament): Prevents the tibia from moving backward under the femur.
- MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament): Stabilizes the inner side of the knee.
- LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament): Supports the outer side of the knee.
Damage to any of these ligaments can impair stability and make the knee feel like it “gives out” during motion.
Ligament tears are usually caused by sudden twisting, hyperextension, or direct impact to the knee joint.
Common causes include:
- Sports injuries: Rapid direction changes in basketball, soccer, skiing, or football.
- Falls or trauma: Sudden blows or landing awkwardly from a jump.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Especially common with dashboard injuries causing PCL tears.
- Overuse and fatigue: Repetitive strain can weaken ligaments over time.
Risk factors include:
- Poor conditioning or weak leg muscles
- Improper landing technique during sports
- Previous ligament injuries
- Gender (ACL injuries occur more frequently in women due to anatomy and hormone differences)
Ligament tears range from mild sprains to complete ruptures. The symptoms depend on which ligament is injured but often include:
Common symptoms:
- A “popping” sound or sensation at the time of injury
- Immediate swelling and stiffness within hours
- Pain when walking, twisting, or bending the knee
- Instability or the feeling that the knee will “give out”
- Bruising or tenderness along the ligament’s path
Severe tears can cause significant loss of function, making it difficult to walk or bear weight.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine the type and severity of ligament injury.
Diagnostic process includes:
- Medical history: Discussing the mechanism of injury and symptoms.
- Physical examination: Stability tests such as the Lachman, anterior drawer, or valgus stress test.
- Imaging studies:
- X-rays: Rule out fractures or bone involvement.
- MRI: Identifies partial or complete ligament tears and associated cartilage or meniscus damage.
- Ultrasound: Detects real-time soft-tissue swelling or strain.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for developing the right treatment plan and determining whether surgery is necessary.
Treatment focuses on restoring knee stability, strength, and range of motion — customized to each patient’s injury type, age, and activity level.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Partial ligament sprains or mild tears often heal with conservative care:
- Rest and bracing: Limits movement and stabilizes the knee.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Reduces pain and swelling.
- Strengthens supporting muscles, especially quadriceps and hamstrings.
- Improves balance, coordination, and joint stability.
- Uses controlled stretching to restore range of motion.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections stimulate tissue regeneration and healing for partial tears.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Avoiding high-impact activities until the ligament fully heals.
Surgical Treatments
Complete ligament tears or unstable knees may require surgical repair or reconstruction.
Dr. Burke offers advanced procedures such as:
- Minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera-guided scope to repair or replace torn ligaments.
- Tendon Graft Reconstruction: Uses tissue from the patient or donor to rebuild the torn ligament.
- Robotic-Assisted Knee Surgery: Enhances precision, alignment, and recovery outcomes.
- For multi-ligament injuries or complex trauma involving multiple structures.
Dr. Burke’s expertise in sports medicine and advanced surgical techniques ensures optimal knee stability and long-term joint health.
Recovery depends on the ligament injured and whether surgery was performed.
Typical recovery timelines:
- Mild sprains: 6–8 weeks with rest and therapy.
- Partial tears: 2–3 months with structured rehabilitation.
- Complete surgical reconstruction: 6–9 months for full return to sports or high-level activity.
Rehabilitation goals:
- Restore range of motion and flexibility
- Strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and core muscles
- Rebuild balance and proprioception (joint awareness)
- Prevent future ligament stress through technique training
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, rehabilitation is customized for each patient, with progressive therapy milestones to ensure safe recovery.
Most ligament tears heal successfully with appropriate care. Early diagnosis and guided rehabilitation reduce the risk of chronic instability or arthritis.
Long-term considerations:
- Returning to activity too early can cause re-injury.
- Strength training and flexibility are key for prevention.
- Post-surgical patients often return to full performance with proper physical therapy.
Prevention tips:
- Warm up properly before exercise
- Strengthen lower-body muscles for balance and stability
- Practice safe jumping and landing techniques
- Use supportive footwear
- Avoid sudden increases in workout intensity
Preventive conditioning programs can significantly reduce future ligament injuries.
You should see an orthopedic specialist if:
- You heard a pop or felt a sudden shift in the knee
- The knee swells or becomes unstable
- Pain persists or limits normal movement
- You have trouble walking or bearing weight
- The knee “locks” or feels unstable after a prior injury
Prompt evaluation can prevent long-term complications and restore knee function.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’ve experienced a sudden knee injury, pop, or instability, expert evaluation is essential to prevent lasting damage.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide advanced diagnosis, precision surgical options, and comprehensive rehabilitation to help you regain stability and return to your active lifestyle.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, delivering world-class orthopedic care close to home.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee ligament repair and sports injuries.
