The document discusses injuries and treatments to the ACL, PCL, and MCL ligaments in the knee. It describes the anatomy of the knee and mechanisms of injury for each ligament, including being hit on the side of the knee or twisting motions. Treatment options are outlined depending on the severity of each ligament tear, ranging from RICE therapy for mild injuries to surgery and bracing for complete tears. The rehabilitation process after ACL surgery is also summarized, focusing on regaining strength and mobility over several months.

1. Injuries and Treatments to the ACL, PCL, and MCLSulema S. SuarezBIO141-0903A-16Phase 3 Individual Project7/23/2009

2. Anatomy of the KneeFemurPatellaDistal femoral condyleTibial collateral ligamentAnterior cruciate ligamentMedial meniscusFibular collateral ligamentLateral meniscusPosterior cruciate ligamentTibiaFibula

3. Posterior Cruciate LigamentMechanism of injuryCan tear if shinbone is hit just below the knee Most common is auto accidents and contact sports Bending or extending knee past normal positionGetting hit on side of knee while leg is twistedOther structures of the knee are usually damaged with the PCL (Mayo Clinic, 2009)

4. Treatments for PCLMild to moderateP.R.I.C.E.Protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevationPhysical therapyModerate to severeJoint aspirationRemoves fluid from joint using a syringeSurgeryIf severe, and is accompanied with damage to other structures, joint may need to be reconstructed (Mayo Clinic, 2009)

5. Medial Cruciate LigamentMechanism of injuryCan be injured when struck on the outside of the knee joint Stretches the ligament and can cause injuries on different scalesGrade I MCL TearIncomplete tearGrade II MCL TearLarger tear but still considered incomplete tearGrade III MCL TearComplete tear

6. Treatment for MCL InjuriesTreatmentGrade I MCL TearRest and icing the injuryAnti-inflammatory medications1-2 weeks recovery timeGrade II MCL TearHinged knee brace3-4 weeks recovery timeGrade III MCL TearKnee immobilizerCrutchesKnee brace (after knee is able to bend)Regain strength in quadriceps3-4 months recovery timeSurgery is generally not preferred for MCL injuries (Cluett, M.D., Jonathan, 2008)

7. ACL Injuries Mechanism of injuryLigament tears when you slow down suddenly, cut, or pivot while foot is firmly plantedCauses twisting and overextending of the knee (Mayo Clinic, 2009)

8. Surgery for ACLSurgery is performed at least one month after injuryCan be preformed as same day surgerySurgery lasts one and a half to two hoursRegional or general anesthesia may be usedACL must be completely removed and replaced with a segment of a larger ligamentPatellar ligamentHamstring tendonsAllograft (donor tissue)About one third of the ligament is used to secure the femur to the tibia (Cluett, M.D., Jonathan, 2008)

9. Rehabilitation after surgeryWill need to use crutches and a knee brace for one to three weeksA CPM (continuous passive motion)machine may be used in the days following surgerySwelling should be controlledJoint should be flexedMuscles around the knee should be strengthened to improve stability of the jointNormal activities can be resumed after tow to four monthsHigh demand activities can be resumed after six to seven months (Cluett, M.D., Jonathan, 2008)

10. ReferencesCluett, M.D., Jonathan. January 1, 2008. Anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Retrieved July 23, 2009, from:http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/aclrepain/a/acl_3.htmMayo Clinic. Copyright 1998-2009. Knee Pain. Retrieved July 24, 2009 from:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/knee-pain/ds00555/dsection=symptomsTouch of Life Technologies. Copyright 2009. VH Dissector. Retrieved July 24, 2009