Treatment of multiple ligament injuries in the knee

Complex knee instability involves the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and one or more major stabilizers of the knee [medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)]. The medial side has a high healing potential and does not need operative treatment in most cases if ACL reconstruction is performed. Reconstruction of the medial ligament complex is indicated in gross instability of the medial meniscus fixation, dislocation of the MCL into the joint, and large dislocated bony avulsions. Injuries on the lateral side do not heal spontaneously and require acute operative treatment (first 2 weeks). Frank knee dislocations and gross multiligament injuries should be reduced acutely, and the integrity of the vascular structures must be examined closely. In a European multicenter study, operative treatment with reconstruction of both cruciate ligaments and functional rehabilitation gave better results than conservative treatment with immobilization of the joint.