Outer ligament of the knee
General
The knee joint connects the thigh bone ("Femur") With the two lower leg bones, the shin ("Tibia") And the fibula ("Fibula"). The guidance and stability of the joint is ensured by several muscles and ligaments. However, the ligaments and cartilage in the knee joint in particular are prone to pressure and tensile loads and are a common place for injuries.
The outer ligaments of the two knees connect the thigh to the fibula and form the counterpart to the Inner bands. Together, the inner band and outer band are also called "Collateral ligaments". she give the knee lateral stabilitywhen it is stretched and partially restrict rotation in the knee joint.
Together with the Menisci and Cruciate ligaments the collateral ligaments are predestined for strains and tears in accidents of the knee.
Figure outer ligament knee
A - Right knee joint from the left
B - Right knee joint from the front
C - Right knee joint from behind
- Kneecap - patella
- Femur - Femur
- Shin - Tibia
- Fibula - Fibula
- Inner meniscus -
Meniscus medialis - Outer meniscus -
Lateral meniscus - Kneecap ligament -
Ligamentum patellae - Outer band -
Ligament collaterale fibulare - Inner band -
Ligament collateral tibial - Posterior cruciate ligament -
Ligament cruciatum posterius - Anterior cruciate ligament -
Ligament cruciatum anterius
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
Pain on the outside of the knee
Pain on the outside of the Knees can have a variety of causes. In order to make an exact diagnosis, one must first determine the type of pain through targeted questioning of the patient. Distinctions can be made in the type, duration and time of the Pain in the knee to meet. Often, however, there is also a recent accident involving the Knees in front.
If the patient states that they feel pain when applying pressure or movement, this usually means a Defect of the structures immediately below in front. Additionally, if the patient has recently had an accident in which the knee was excessively twisted or rotated, you can Strains or even Tears in the ligaments exist.
Causes of permanent pain in the outer ligament of the knee that are not related to an accident may arise Incorrect loads indicate. In particular, sports that involve high stress on the legs and knees, such as jogging or most ball sports, lead to excessive or incorrect stress on the joint Pain, Misalignments, muscular changes and Damage to cartilage, bone and Ribbons.
Strain of the outer ligament
A Overstretching of the outer ligament in the knee is a very common injury in sports. In connection with an incorrect, unwanted movement, the knee is often stretched outwards by a high force. The outer ligament, which is elastic to a certain extent, is pulled and an immediate, stabbing pain occurs. If the ligament is largely retained, the knee is still stable in contrast to the Ligament rupture. Since it is just a strain, additional tissue in the knee is usually not damaged and bruising is common.
Immediately after the strain, it is recommended to have one cooling, Elevation, compression and Relief of the affected side.
This prevents the swelling and alleviates the pain. The leg should then be spared so that the healing process can proceed faster. Usually a common ligament strain should heal in two weeks.
If this is not the case, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic surgeon, who can initiate further diagnostic procedures if necessary.
Outer ligament tear
If the knee is stretched excessively in an accident, it can become Outer ligament tear come. This can be completely severed or partially torn. Typical sharp pains when pressure and movement of the affected region occur in addition to the Instability of the knee on. In contrast to ligament strains, there is no longer any lateral stability, which the orthopedic surgeon can determine with specific hand movements. The attempt is made to "open" the knee towards the outside with the leg extended. If this is easier than normal, the tape may have torn. A MRI Examination can then provide unequivocal confirmation. In theory there is also one invasive reflection of the knee joint („Arthroscopy“) Possible for diagnosis, but it is more likely to be used in injuries to the cruciate ligaments.
Therapy for lateral ligament injuries
Therapy for injuries to the lateral ligament of the knee varies depending on the degree of injury. If the ligament is overstretched or torn slightly, it is often only necessary to protect the affected joint by stabilizing ituntil the injury heals. Depending on the duration of the healing process, the muscles involved then need targeted reconstruction. In theory, this healing process will take no more than two weeks.
If, for example, there is a complete rupture of the outer ligament, further differentiation must be made. If the joint is still stable, it can also be treated conservatively in the form of stabilization by a Splint for up to 6 weeks. If there is a more serious injury in which other parts of the knee and bone are also damaged and make the knee joint unstable, is often operated on and the ligament is re-fixed.
Taping for external ligament injuries
The so-called "Taping“Offers a therapeutic or preventive method. In any case, it should be discussed with a specialist beforehand. Taping is widely used in sports medicine and has several functions at the same time.
It protects individual joints from excessive movement and overstretching, while it protects against pre-existing injuries Compression and stabilization of the affected joint region offers. Basically this is only about inelastic adhesive bandagesthat are stuck to the outside of the skin. The doctor or patient can do the taping themselves thanks to precise instructions.
Prediction of an external ligament injury
The forecast for both a Outer ligament strain, as well as for one Rupture is very good after treatment. Normally, after complete healing, the joint should be able to be used again without restriction. The swelling and pain as well as the instability should have completely receded. (please refer: Pain in the knee)
A strain is expected to take between a few days to two weeks to heal, whereas a rupture is a very long process. In the case of conservative therapy, one usually reckons with about six weeks, whereas a surgical procedure with follow-up care can take significantly longer depending on the severity of the injury.
Prophylaxis of lateral ligament injuries
Above all, athletes are certain sports are predestined for injuries of the ligaments with a particular frequency in the knee area. Ball sports such as football, but especially skiing, are considered risk factors (see: Injury in football). Especially when skiing at high speeds, the skis that are firmly attached to the legs can easily injure the rotations and overstretching of the ligaments in the knee. Not just the outer bands, but also Inner bands, Cruciate ligaments and Menisci are very endangered. These sports should be practiced with caution.
Strong muscles in the legs can also have a protective effect. Targeted strengthening of the individual muscle groups results in greater stability of the joints and relief of the ligaments.
