Multi-Ligament Knee Tear

Multi-ligament knee injuries are often caused by high-impact trauma, such as car accidents, severe falls, or sports-related incidents. Athletes participating in contact sports like football, soccer, and basketball are particularly at risk due to sudden changes in direction, direct blows to the knee, or awkward landings from a jump.

As a specialist in sports medicine, Dr. Gazzaniga frequently treats athletes who have sustained these types of knee injuries and understands the unique demands of returning to high-level physical activity. In addition to sports injuries, non-contact mechanisms—such as sudden twisting or hyperextension of the knee—can also lead to multi-ligament damage. In more severe cases, a knee dislocation may occur, often causing additional injuries to cartilage, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves, which require urgent medical attention.

The symptoms of a multi-ligament knee injury are typically severe and appear immediately after the injury occurs.

• Patients often experience intense pain, swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
• Many describe a sensation of the knee “giving out” or feeling unstable.
• A loud popping or snapping sound at the time of injury is a common indicator that a ligament has been torn.
• If nerve damage is present, numbness or tingling in the leg may occur.
• In cases where blood flow is compromised, the leg may become pale or feel cold, which is a medical emergency.

Multi-ligament knee injuries are a medical emergency. Dr. Gazzaniga will meet you at the hospital and perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose your injuries by performing a thorough physical examination, assessing knee stability, swelling, and tenderness. Special tests, such as the Lachman test, posterior drawer test, and varus/valgus stress tests, help determine the extent of ligament damage.

Imaging studies play a critical role in confirming the diagnosis and will be employed to evaluate your condition including X-rays to rule out fractures or dislocations, CT scans to evaluate bone alignment and any potential knee dislocations. MRI scans provide a detailed view of soft tissue structures, including ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. Dr. Gazzaniga utilizes the most advanced diagnostic tools available to ensure an accurate assessment and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.

The treatment of multi-ligament knee injuries depends on the severity of the damage, the patient’s activity level, and overall health. Dr. Gazzaniga will recommend the appropriate treatment options including conservative management for partial tears to advanced surgical reconstruction for complete ligament ruptures. Mild cases may be treated with bracing, physical therapy, and activity modification, while more severe injuries often require surgical intervention.

Surgical treatment typically involves ligament reconstruction using grafts from the patient’s own tissue or a donor. Depending on the extent of the injury, surgery may be performed in stages to allow for proper healing. Dr. Gazzaniga specializes in state-of-the-art surgical techniques that maximize recovery while minimizing complications, helping patients regain stability and function in their knee.

Recovery from a multi-ligament knee injury can take several months to over a year. A structured rehabilitation program is essential for restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Dr. Gazzaniga and his team at Newport Orthopedic Institute work closely with physical therapists to ensure that each patient progresses safely through their recovery, gradually transitioning from non-weight-bearing activities to more dynamic movements. For athletes, returning to sports requires a careful, individualized approach to prevent re-injury.