ACL, MCL and Meniscus Treatment Guide
As your partner in care, we are dedicated to helping you move better. We developed this guide to answer your questions about ACL, MCL and meniscus pain and injury. You will also find risk factors, symptoms and treatment options. After reading this, if you have any specific questions about your care, please discuss them with your physician. We hope this is a valuable resource for you on your journey to move better.
Understanding the Ligaments & Meniscus
The bones around the knee are connected by four main ligaments. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) are found inside your knee joint. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL) are found on the sides of your knee. All four work together to connect the femur to the tibia to ensure strength, stability and proper rotation of the knee. Between the bones of the knees are two discs of connective tissue, called menisci. They cushion cartilage of the knee joint from the weight of the rest of the body.
Causes of Knee Pain
Injury to these ligaments—most commonly the ACL and MCL—can be caused by moving too quickly, twisting or hyperextending the knee, or colliding with something. These injuries are common among people who ski and play basketball, soccer or football. At the time of an MCL or ACL tear, you may hear a popping sound. Pain and swelling may occur, and your knee may not be able to hold weight and will start buckling.
Meniscus tears can occur when twisting the upper leg while the foot stays in one place. A tear can also be related to degenerative arthritis or natural wear over time, primarily in the over 55 age group. An untreated torn meniscus can result in instability of the knee, constant pain and increased risk of osteoarthritis. You may need surgery if you experience catching or locking of the knee.
Other causes of knee pain when walking include arthritis, bursitis, baker’s cyst, tendonitis and Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
Treatment Options
ACL, MCL and torn meniscus treatment plans will be recommended by your care team based on your age, medical history, type and stage of the knee injury and personal preferences.
Options may include:
Non-Surgical
- Rest. Because inflammation often occurs with overuse, simply resting the knee joint as much as possible can relieve pain.
- Icing. Applying ice packs a few times a day can reduce inflammation.
- Medications. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can often relieve pain. You may also be treated with prescription anti-inflammatory medications.
- Injections. For chronic inflammation, injections such as cortisone can reduce inflammation or gel injections can provide lubrication which can relieve pain.
- Weight loss. Reducing your body mass can lessen the impact that walking and other activities can have on your knee.
- Physical therapy. Low impact exercising of the knee joint can strengthen the area without further irritating the condition. Physical therapists will demonstrate the best exercises and stretches to increase your range of motion and restore normal function.
- Braces or other forms of support. A brace or splint can support and stabilize a knee that has been injured or affected by arthritis. Arch supports and shoe lifts can also reduce pressure if there is misalignment.
- Biological treatment. For partial injuries, biological treatments such as PRP, BMAC or amniotic-based products can be used to improve pain and function and sometimes avoid surgery.
Surgical
- Arthroscopy. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat certain problems. This surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure. You will typically experience less pain and a shorter recovery time.
- Arthroscopic partial/total meniscectomy. A piece of torn meniscus, or the entire meniscus, is removed so the knee can function normally.
- Knee Ligament Repair. The torn ACL or MCL is replaced with a piece of healthy tendon from the knee. It is grafted into place to hold the knee joint together. The graft may come from the person (autograft) or from an organ donor (allograft).
- Partial knee replacement. A partial knee replacement removes and replaces only the parts of your knee that are affected by injury or disease. In a partial knee replacement, cartilage and bone is removed from the affected components and replaced with a prosthetic. Unlike a total knee replacement, some of the natural cartilage and ligaments are preserved, which can lead to better function.
- Total knee replacement. Knee replacement surgery may be the best option for pain relief if you have experienced meniscus tears or ligament injuries due to severe arthritis. During surgery, the surgeon removes cartilage and bone from your knee joint and replaces it with a prosthetic made of metal and plastic. Total knee replacement may be recommended for certain injuries, severe arthritis or in cases where the pain is constant and mobility is extremely impaired.
- Robotic-assisted knee surgery/partial knee resurfacing. Surgeons at select Baylor Scott & White locations are trained in the use of a robotic arm to assist in surgery. During the procedure, only the affected parts of the knee are cut away. This allows for the preservation of the patient’s healthy bone and tissue. An implant is then secured in the joint. The benefits of this surgery typically include better accuracy and precision.
Why Baylor Scott & White Health
For over 100 years, Baylor Scott & White has been helping patients heal with quality care, advanced medical techniques and innovative research. With numerous community-based medical centers located throughout North and Central Texas, our thorough approach to healthcare means that every patient has access to effective, comprehensive and tailored treatment plans. We offer a variety of orthopedic services and programs at many of our locations that may include:
- Nurse navigation to walk with you through your surgical experience
- Same day surgery
- Dedicated orthopedic units with private rooms and staff trained specifically in the care of orthopedic patients
- Rehabilitation gyms located within the orthopedic units and numerous convenient neighborhood locations
- Physical therapists specially trained to rehab orthopedic patients
Orthopedic specialists on the medical staff have a proven track record in the successful diagnosis and treatment of all types of knee disorders. We are committed to providing you with effective relief from knee pain with treatment plans that are as minimally invasive as possible.
Diagnosing Ligament & Meniscus Pain
Early diagnosis of knee pain is key. For meniscus and MCL injuries, if a diagnosis is made early, the original ligament or meniscus can be repaired, depending on tear pattern. Prolonged pain without treatment can lead to joint damage, arthritis or surgery that may have been avoided.
Your doctor will start by performing a physical exam. They will inspect your knee for swelling, tenderness and flexibility. Your doctor will review your medical history and ask you to describe the pain. The doctor will also ask you when the pain began and whether anything makes it better or worse.
Additional tests may include:
- X-rays
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
- CT (computed tomography) scan
- Ultrasound
Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will work with you to create the right treatment plan.
Download a copy of the treatment guide
Are you or a loved one experiencing knee pain? This guide can help answer your questions about ACL, MCL and meniscus pain and injury.