The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of four major ligaments of the knee. ACL injuries are common in sports that involve sudden changes of direction, such as football and soccer, but they can also occur during regular daily activities.
Information for referring providers to Michigan Medicine MedSport including information to pass along to the MedSport team.
Knee problems are very common, and anyone can have them. Mechanical knee problems are caused by a direct blow or sudden movement that strains the knee, or osteoarthritis in the knee, resulting from wear and tear on the parts. Inflammatory knee problems can result from certain rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosis (lupus). These diseases cause swelling that can damage the knees permanently.
The LCL (lateral collateral ligament) is a thin band of tissue that runs along the outside of the knee. Thousands of people every year have LCL injuries, including stretches, partial tears or complete tears. An LCL injury is usually a result of the knee joint being pushed from the inside of the leg during an accident, sports or a fall.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four ligaments that keep the knee joint stable. The MCL spans the distance from the end of the femur (thigh bone) to the top of the tibia (shin bone) and is on the inner side of the knee joint. That's why it's so painful when the ligament is stretched too much or torn. The ligament is usually injured when the outside of the knee joint is struck, during sports or an accident, for example. MCL injuries can occur by themselves or with other injuries such as an ACL or meniscus tear.
MedSport at Michigan Medicine is made up of five nationally recognized orthopaedic surgeons and a team of sports medicine and pediatric specialists, including physician assistants, physical therapists, athletic trainers and physical therapy assistants who work closely together to care for your injury.
Michigan Medicine MedSport’s staff of physicians and athletic trainers work with athletes at all levels of competition and provide sports medicine services to area high schools, college and university sports teams, and athletic development programs.
The sports medicine and rehabilitation experts at MedSport offer special programs designed to help athletes prevent injury, improve performance, and return to their desired activity in a safe, effective, and expedited fashion. Whether you’re a competitive runner, professional golfer, distinguished dancer, dedicated biker, or simply a recreational athlete on the course, track, road, or studio, we have a program for you!
MedSport at Michigan Medicine is made up of nationally recognized orthopaedic surgeons and a team of sports medicine and pediatric specialists, including physician assistants, physical therapists, athletic trainers and physical therapy assistants who work closely together to care for your injury.
The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that happens when one or more of the fibrocartilage strips in the knee (called menisci) is stretched or torn. Meniscus tears can happen during sports or even during simple daily activities such as walking or lifting something heavy. They are usually caused by twisting or turning quickly.
University of Michigan Health has been a pioneer in orthopaedic surgery care, research and education since 1930. Our surgeons have the resources and expertise to perform all surgical procedures, from the simplest to the most complex.
Partial PCL tears and some isolated complete tears can be treated without surgery. This can only be determined during an examination by an experienced physician. You should know and consider the short- and long-term consequences of your options.
Michigan Medicine sports medicine physicians serve athletes and active patients with orthopaedic-related injuries and conditions of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle. We provide complete orthopaedic care to athletes of all interests, levels and ages.
