Knee
The knee is the body’s largest joint and the source of the most orthopedic problems. Sports injury, osteoarthritis, fractures and “wear and tear” cause patients to seek treatment for pain and degeneration of the knee joint. Bridger Orthopedic and Sports Medicine will evaluate your condition and offer a course of treatment aimed at returning you to a normal lifestyle.
John D. Campbell, M.D.
Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine
Knee and Shoulder Surgery
Medical Director Montana State University Athletics
US Ski Team Physician
Knee and Shoulder Surgery
Medical Director Montana State University Athletics
US Ski Team Physician
Alex B. LeGrand, M.D.
Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine
Knee and Shoulder Surgery
US Ski Team Physician
Knee and Shoulder Surgery
US Ski Team Physician
Martin K. Gelbke, M.D.
Fellowship Trained in Orthopaedic Traumatology, and Adult Reconstruction Hip and Knee Surgery
1.
What is a torn ACL? MCL?
There are four ligaments in the knee: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The ACL and PCL stabilize front-to-back knee movements, while the MCL and LCL stabilize side-to-side movements.
The ACL can be sprained or torn if the knee is straightened beyond its normal limits (hyperextended), twisted, or bent side-to-side. A sprained or torn ACL is common in sports and usually results from a hard stop or aggressive twisting of the knee. The PCL is the least common ligament to be injured.
The MCL is injured when a force is exerted on the outside of the knee, pushing it inward, while the LCL is injured by a force exerted on the inside of the knee that pushes it outward. This type of hit is frequent in contact sports like football or hockey.
A torn knee ligament is usually accompanied by feeling or hearing a pop in the knee at the time of injury, severe pain and swelling, and joint instability.
The ACL can be sprained or torn if the knee is straightened beyond its normal limits (hyperextended), twisted, or bent side-to-side. A sprained or torn ACL is common in sports and usually results from a hard stop or aggressive twisting of the knee. The PCL is the least common ligament to be injured.
The MCL is injured when a force is exerted on the outside of the knee, pushing it inward, while the LCL is injured by a force exerted on the inside of the knee that pushes it outward. This type of hit is frequent in contact sports like football or hockey.
A torn knee ligament is usually accompanied by feeling or hearing a pop in the knee at the time of injury, severe pain and swelling, and joint instability.
2.
What is a torn meniscus?
The medial and lateral menisci (plural of meniscus) of the knee are two crescent moon-shaped disks of tough tissue that lie between the ends of the upper leg bone and lower leg bone that form the knee joint. Meniscus tears commonly occur during sports when the knee is twisted while the foot is planted firmly on the ground. In people over the age of 40 whose menisci are worn down, a tar might occur with normal movement, minimal activity, or minor injury.
3.
What is an ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that repairs a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the four ligaments that help stabilize the knee. The ligament is reconstructed using a tendon that is passed through the inside of the knee joint and secured to the upper leg bone (femur) and one of the two lower leg bones (tibia).
The tendon used for reconstruction is called a graft and can come from different sources. It is usually taken from the patient's own patella, hamstring, or quadriceps, or it can come from a cadaver. ACL reconstruction is most often performed through arthroscopic surgery.
The tendon used for reconstruction is called a graft and can come from different sources. It is usually taken from the patient's own patella, hamstring, or quadriceps, or it can come from a cadaver. ACL reconstruction is most often performed through arthroscopic surgery.
1450 Ellis Street, Suite 201, Bozeman, MT 59715 • ph: 406.587.0122