ACL, PCL & Multi-Ligament Injuries: When Does Your Knee Need Arthroscopic Repair?

Your knee is one of the strongest yet most vulnerable joints in your body. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast or someone who experienced a sudden fall or accident, ligament injuries can drastically affect your mobility.

The most common ligament injuries include:

• ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)

• PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament)

• MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament)

• LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament)

This blog explains how these injuries occur, how they’re diagnosed, and when arthroscopic surgery becomes the right treatment.

🦵 Understanding Ligament Injuries in the Knee

Ligaments act as stabilisers. They keep the knee from:

• Sliding forward/backward

• Twisting abnormally

• Collapsing under load

When one or more of these ligaments tear, the knee becomes painful, unstable and weak.

🔵 ACL Injury: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

ACL injuries are the most common ligament injuries, especially in:

• Football players

• Runners

• Badminton/cricket players

• Gym enthusiasts

• Anyone with sudden twisting injuries

  
  

Common Symptoms:

• Sudden “pop” sound

• Immediate swelling

• Instability (knee giving way)

• Pain while turning or pivoting

• Difficulty climbing stairs

  
  

Non-surgical treatment:

Mild partial ACL tears in low-activity individuals may improve with:

• Physiotherapy

• Bracing

• Activity modification
  

When ACL Injuries Need Arthroscopy

You may need arthroscopic ACL reconstruction if:

• You experience repeated knee instability

• Knee gives way during activity

• MRI shows complete ACL tear

• You play sports or have an active lifestyle

• You have associated meniscus tears

• Walking on uneven surfaces feels risky |

ACL tears do not heal on their own, because the ligament has poor blood supply.

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction uses a tendon graft to replace the torn ligament, restoring stability and function.

🔴 PCL Injury: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

PCL injuries are less common but often occur during:

• Car accidents (dashboard injury)

• Falling on a bent knee

• Sudden direct blow to the shin
  

Symptoms:

• Pain behind the knee

• Difficulty climbing down stairs

• Instability when walking downhill

• Deep knee swelling
  

Non-surgical treatment:

Some PCL sprains can heal with physiotherapy.

When PCL Injuries Need Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic PCL reconstruction is needed when:

• MRI shows high-grade or complete tear

• There is multi-ligament involvement

• Instability persists even after physiotherapy

• You are young/active and need strong knee function

PCL reconstruction is more complex than ACL reconstruction and requires an experienced surgeon.

🟡 Collateral Ligament (MCL/LCL) Injuries

These ligaments stabilize the inner and outer sides of the knee.

Symptoms:

• Pain on inner/outer knee

• Swelling

• Difficulty bending

• Instability when turning

MCL injuries often heal with conservative care, but LCL injuries or combined injuries may require arthroscopy.

🔥 What Are Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries?

This is when two or more ligaments are torn at the same time, often due to:

High-Energy Trauma Cases

• Road accidents

• Sports collisions

• Occupational injuries

Sports Injuries

• Twisting combined with impact

• Bad landing from a jump

• Hyperextension injuries

Symptoms of Multi-Ligament Injury

• Severe swelling

• Inability to walk

• Knee feels “loose” in multiple directions

• Difficulty bearing weight

• Visible deformity in severe cases

These are serious injuries requiring immediate evaluation by a knee specialist.

🧪 How Doctors Diagnose Ligament Injuries

Diagnosis usually includes:

• Clinical examination (Lachman test, Pivot shift test, posterior drawer test)

• X-ray (to rule out fractures)

• MRI (gold standard for ligament + meniscus injuries)

• Gait analysis

• Strength testing

This helps identify exactly which ligaments are torn and whether arthroscopy is needed.

⭐ When Is Arthroscopic Surgery Recommended?

Arthroscopy is recommended when:

• There is a complete ligament tear

• Instability affects daily activities

• Conservative treatment fails

• Meniscus is damaged

• Multi-ligament injuries occur

During arthroscopy, the surgeon uses small keyhole incisions and a camera to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments.

Types of Arthroscopic Repairs

1. ACL Reconstruction

• Uses graft (hamstring, patellar tendon, or allograft)

• Restores stability

• Essential for athletes and active people

2. PCL Reconstruction

• More complex

• Needed for severe tears

• Prevents long-term arthritis

3. Meniscus Repair/Debridement

• Performed if meniscus tear accompanies ligament injury

4. Multi-Ligament Reconstruction

• ACL + PCL

• ACL + MCL

• PCL + LCL

• Sometimes all four ligaments

• Requires expert surgical approach
  

🌟 Benefits of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

• Minimally invasive

• Tiny incisions

• Less blood loss

• Faster healing

• Early movement

• Less stiffness

• Lower infection risk

• Better long-term stability

Arthroscopy is now the gold standard for ligament injuries.

⏳ Recovery Timeline After Arthroscopy

Week 1–2:

• Swelling reduces

• Walking with support

• Pain improves

Week 3–6:

• Physiotherapy for strength & flexibility

• Stationary cycling begins

• Light activity allowed

Week 8–12:

• Gait normalises

• Strength improves significantly

• Basic sports drills

Month 4–6:

• Return to sports (ACL)

• Full strength recovery

Recovery varies by injury type and rehabilitation effort.

🏥 Why Choose Dr. Hitesh Kubadia for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

• Specialist in ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL reconstruction

• Expert in multi-ligament injuries

• Minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques

• High success rate with athletes & young adults

• Customised rehabilitation programs

• Accurate diagnosis and transparent guidance

Your knee deserves expert, precise care, not guesswork.

📞 Book Your Consultation

👉 WhatsApp: +91 98212 57676

👉 Contact Page: https://www.hksclinic.com/contact-dr-hitesh-kubadia