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Anterior, Posterior and Medial Ligaments

What should I expect during my first visit?

Injury to the knee ligaments, such as the ACL and PCL, are always in season – especially if you’re an athlete that loves to ski, snowboard, play hockey, football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and baseball. In the US, there are an estimated 200,000 ACL-related injuries per year with 100,000 ACL reconstructions.

There are four ligaments per knee:

  • ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Supports the femur
  • PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) Protects and supports the tibia
  • MCL (medial collateral ligament) Controls side to side motion of the femur
  • LCL (lateral collateral ligament) Prevents side to side motion of the femur

ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament. It is an essential supportive ligament attached to the front of the knee joint and supports the connection of the knee to the femur bone. The injury is usually caused by a high-speed or a very forceful turn or coming to a sudden stop, which causes the ligament to rip. The symptoms are a loud popping sound or a feeling of popping in the knee, severe pain, and usually a disabled, unstable leg that will begin to swell and have reduced range of motion.

PCL stands for posterior cruciate ligament. The PCL is located at the back of the knee and serves to protect and support the tibia’s connection to the knee. A PCL injury is less common than an ACL injury. Among football players, it is usually caused by an awkward tackle where the knee is bent at an angle. It is not unusual to suffer a PCL ‘dashboard injury’ after an auto accident. The driver and passenger may experience enough force to shove the shin bone below the knee and cause the ligament at the rear of the knee to tear.

The long term success of Dr. Greenberg’s patients is attributed to a specialized approach to the examination process. Deemed “The Greenberg Method,” this diagnostic approach not only looks into the area of damage and pain, but also evaluates the mechanics and structure of the bone and joints related to the area of the pain. For example, a patient who comes in with issues pertaining to their knee(s) explains that past treatment in the area has not brought any relief. However, Dr. Greenberg evaluates commonly thought of ligaments such as the ACL, as well as less recognizable injuries to the MCL and other structures. After an examination of the knees along with the pelvis, gait, and foot stance, Dr. Greenberg discovers that pelvic tilt is contributing to the patient’s pain. While an isolated joint treatment ignores physiology and the evaluation of movement, The Greenberg Method’s full-body examination produces a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. In return, the patient experiences a greater reduction in pain and improvement in function, which helps them get back on their feet to resume their daily routines, pain free.

Sometimes a ligament injury is not caused by a physical injury to the knee but is related to another physical issue such as a collapsed arch in a foot, a slightly twisted ankle or a leg length discrepancy. All it takes to damage the patella, stress a ligament or tear a medial meniscus is a change in your posture that skews your body to one side. With time, your knee can become destabilized and your pelvis may begin to tilt. A friend may comment that you seem to be limping, which comes as a complete surprise to you. Your body had automatically started to compensate for the changed kinetics.

To bring your body back into equilibrium, Dr. Greenberg brings your biomechanics to a balanced state, repairs ligaments and restabilizes your knee.

Dr. Greenberg may recommend the Greenberg Method, a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment strategy that not only looks at the area of damage and pain, but looks at the mechanics and structure of the bones and joints adjacent to and related to the area of pain.

Utilizing the Greenberg Method we will evaluate and treat the specific injured area, but other areas of damage that can cause pain in other parts of the body.

In Dr. Greenberg’s experience, using a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan of the Greenberg Method helps to produce a greater reduction in pain and improvement in function compared to an isolated joint treatment that ignores physiology and evaluation of movement and posture.

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inner side of the knee and is important for stabilizing the knee from outward turning forces. An MCL injury is often referred pain that seems to be located at the center of the knee. It can confuse a diagnostician, plus it may not appear on an MRI. Compounding things, an MCL injury often occurs with arthritis of the knee and meniscus tears so it can be difficult to pinpoint.

To correctly diagnose a torn MCL, Dr. Greenberg carefully examines your posture and gait. He will examine your knee, palpate it and test its strength to physically understand the state of all the components- tendons, ligaments, nerves and bones. Once an MCL tear is diagnosed correctly, Dr. Greenberg will try to correct your biomechanics, and treat the injured knee using The Greenberg Method.

If you or a loved one is looking for a new strategy to treat chronic aches and pains, fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or call Dr. Greenberg’s office today at (833) 440-4325.

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