Knee injuries - collateral ligaments

Reviewed by Mr Dai Rees, consultant orthopaedic surgeon

What types of knee injuries are there?

In the knee, there are several structures: the collateral ligaments, the meniscus, cruciate ligaments and articular (joint) cartilages. If there is an injury to the knee, it is possible that more than one of these structures may be injured at the same time.

What are collateral ligaments?

Collateral ligaments are found inside and outside of the knee joint.

A collateral ligament can be partially torn apart and yet the knee may still remain fairly stable. This is because a collateral ligament is not a single, thin ligament, but consists of many minor ligaments in different directions and layers, which mesh together into one single strong ligament.

How do collateral ligament injuries occur?

A ligament injury may occur when the knee is strained from the inside, but more often than not, it will be caused by a strain from the outside. For example, while playing football, the outside of the knee may be hit or kicked with great force by an opponent. As the knee is pressed together on the outside and forced apart on the inside, the ligaments on the inside of the knee will be injured.

A ligament injury may also occur in connection with a twist within the knee joint itself without any external pressure being applied.

When a collateral ligament is damaged, the extent of the damage may vary from just a small crack in one of the small ligaments to a total rupture of the exterior or interior collateral ligament.

A ligament injury may be accompanied by major or minor swelling of the knee joint.

What should be done if a knee injury occurs?

Injuries of this kind should receive first aid treatment following the RICE principle which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Cooling the injury as fast as possible will reduce the swelling and pain.

Rest The injured knee must be rested for the first 24 to 48 hours to prevent any further injury.

Ice

The damaged area must be cooled by using an ice-pack or a packet of frozen peas. The ice must never come directly into contact with the skin or the patient could get frostbite.

A cloth should be placed between the ice and the skin. Ice can be laid on the affected area for up to 20 minutes every hour, but for no longer than three hours in all.

Ice treatment has been known to be effective for up to 24 hours after the injury occurred.

Compression

An elasticated support bandage is designed for this purpose. The compression must be firm but not so tight that it interferes with the blood circulation.

Elevation

The leg must be elevated above heart level if possible. It is most comfortable to lie down and elevate the limb with a few pillows. If you are sitting down, the leg can be raised on a chair or a table. This elevation should be maintained as much as possible for a few days.

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