Complex Knee Injury Specialist

Sports Medicine Physician

Are you an athlete who participates in contact sports? If so, you may be at risk of sustaining a complex knee injury. Severe high-energy injuries can result in a knee dislocation which can tear multiple ligaments in the knee. Complex knee injury specialist, Dr. Mark Getelman provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Los Angeles who have developed a complex knee injury. Contact Dr. Getelman’s team today!

Knee Dislocation

Multi-Ligament Knee Injury Overview

Four main ligaments compose the knee and stabilize the joint when performing sporting movements, work-related movements and everyday activities. The ligaments work together to prevent unnatural, excessive motion between the tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone).

The four main ligaments of the knee include:

Many knee ligament injuries involve one ligament but certain traumatic events, such as a direct hit to the knee during sporting activities, an automobile accident or a fall from extreme height, can damage multiple ligaments and cause a blown out knee. Severe high-energy injuries can result in a knee dislocation which by definition requires tearing of multiple ligaments. Knee dislocations can also result in vascular or neurologic injuries and are considered an immediate emergency and typically require a surgical repair. Dr. Mark Getelman, orthopedic knee specialist in the Van Nuys, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles, California communities, is highly trained and experienced at treating multiple knee ligament injuries and blown out knee cases.

Multi-Ligament Knee Injury Symptoms

A blown out knee is marked by pain and swelling. A patient typically cannot bear any weight on the injured limb and will typically require emergency room consultation.

Multi-Ligament Knee Injury Diagnosis

Because of the severity of knee ligament injuries involving more than one ligament, immediate medical attention is required. An ER visit is highly recommended in cases of a blown out knee. If a dislocation is present, an orthopedic specialist will reduce the knee, or put the joint back in the correct position by gentle manipulation. Dr. Getelman will perform a set of X-rays and an MRI when the joint is in place to determine the extent of injury and ligaments involved.

Have you sustained a multiple knee ligament injury?

Schedule an office consultation with Dr. Getelman today.

Multi-Ligament Knee Injury Treatment

Surgical

Multiple knee ligament injuries require immediate surgery in most cases. Dr. Getelman will perform an extremely detailed knee reconstruction surgery to repair the blown out knee and return function. Grafts are typically utilized for this surgical procedure, either from the patient or from a donor. In the majority of cases, Dr. Getelman will repair multiple torn ligaments in the knee during one surgical procedure since the ligaments depend on each other for stability and function.

For additional resources on multiple knee ligament injuries, or for information on blown out knee treatment, please contact Dr. Mark Getelman, orthopedic knee specialist in the Van Nuys, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles, California area.