ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR
The knee is held together by four ligaments – two collateral side ligaments and two cruciate ligaments inside. Most commonly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is damaged, a tough tissue band joining thigh bone to shin bone, running diagonally inside of the knee, giving stability.
Sports injuries, such as skiing, tennis, squash, football or rugby, tear the ACL if your lower leg extends forwards too much or your knee, or lower leg, are twisted when stopping or changing direction suddenly. Tears destabilise the knee. The decision for knee surgery depends on the extent of damage, other knee damage, knee stability, age, occupation and activity level, and the effect on quality of life.
Surgery isn’t always suggested – for example, if your knee remains stable…
