My second question. What will an Orthopedist do to know if one of the 2 ligaments are damaged?
2006-11-26 10:38:05 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
hell ask if it hurts really bad and feel ur knee a little then do a mri
2006-11-26 10:45:38 · answer #1 · answered by Ryan A 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of the symptoms include: pain (of course) on your knee (weight bearing or not); a feeling like the knee is giving way; swollen knee; hot and red knee (signs oif imflammation). To distinguish if it is ACL or the MCL, you must know the mechanism of injury. How did you get injured? Did you twist your body while your feet and leg is firmly planted on the ground (ACL) or were you hit on the outter part of you knee while your feet is firmly planted in the ground (MCL)? Note, ACL is affected if the action is combined with TWISTING since the Anterior Cruciate Ligament is not a straight ligament. it runs from one side to another. Meanwhile, the MCL runs straight so a direct hit on the lateral side is needed to injure the MCL.
After proving that one of your ligaments is in fact partially or completely torn (either by xray first then MRI), you can choose to have surgery (reconstruction) or if it's mild, you can just go to your physical therapist (ultrasound, TENS, exercises). I would not suggest you to see a chiro. Your doctor might also give you steroids for the pain. By the way, after your surgery, you cant bend your knee greater than 45 degrees for a few weeks and you will have to see a PT after surgery for quick recovery.
Well, Good luck!
2006-11-26 11:28:40 · answer #2 · answered by abbiess 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The physician will probably perform a Lachman's test for the ACL and a valgus stress for the MCL. If either are positive an MRI will be ordered. Keep in mind it is possble, and in some cases probable, that you can sprain both ligaments. An Xray will also be done during the office visit to see if the are any fractures such as avulsions.
2006-11-26 11:10:20 · answer #3 · answered by Speedracer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just had mine replaced for the second time last week, and I'm an MD.
1. A good orthopedist who does a lot of knees will listen to your story carefully, then do a physical exam, which will probably tell him everything he needs to know. Then, he'll get an MRI of the knee, necessary nowadays to assess the degree of injury eg. is there a complete tear or just a strain.
The good news is that today there are really good treatments to get the knee back to normal. The downside? If you need surgery even though its arthroscopic, you're looking at up to year till things are back to normal.
Good luck.
2006-11-26 10:56:39 · answer #4 · answered by Isaac K 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I blew out my ACL a few years ago. When I injured myself I couldn't put any weight on that leg at all, and it was exteremely swollen. My son had a tear to his MCL, and had pain and swelling as well. We both went to an orthopedic surgeon for diagnosis and treatment. He followed up with a sports medicine chiropractor after he healed.
My doctor ordered xrays first, then I had an MRI that showed the whole injury. My son had xrays only.
Hope this helps - and good luck!
2006-11-26 10:48:39 · answer #5 · answered by Maggie Mae 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
he will do a few test things right in the office....and ask if it hurts or if there is pressure...He'll do an Xray to check for bone damage and if thats clear he'll do an MRI...those tell if anything is wrong...
2006-11-29 05:47:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋