Ligament Injuries
Essential Question:What are ligament injuries? What are the causes and effects,
and can they be prevented?
Jevin Nathaniel
Mrs. Lindinger
Senior Project
February 7, 2014
Introductory Paragraph
At some point in elite athlete's career they will probably be faced with challenges sport injuryies . Given the fact
that the knee has the highest injury rate in any sport, it may very well be a knee injury that is keeping an athlete
sidelined. In the different sources who I statement such as books and internet web sites, what the topics discussed
will be are ligament injuries and the different type of ligaments, the causes and the effects, also the preventions.
The cause and effects which by most injuries happen during sports and fitness activities. The ligament may tear
when you slow down suddenly to change direction or pivot with your foot firmly planted, twisting. You can hear
a popping noise and feel your knee give out at the time of injury most likely have severe types of pain and having
no movement of the knee so limping an swelling around the knee.
The different types of ligaments are anterior cruciate ligament, this ligament is located in the center of the knee
that controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia. Posterior cruciate ligament the ligament located in the
back of the knee that controls backward movement of the tibia. Medial collateral ligament the ligament that gives
stability to the inner knee. Lateral collateral ligament the ligament that gives stability to the outer knee.
Preventions of ligament injuries are to warm up before playing any sports, do walking lunges, , squats, stretch,
jumping and landing safely. These can change your life from any type of ligament injury.
Literature Review
• Author The Ohio State University wexner medical
• Title Ligament injuries to the knee
• Type of source Internet
• Key info there are 4 types of ligaments. There are 5 type of ligaments injury diagnosed.
• Author Dr Hans Gad Johansen, Ejnar Kuur
• Title Knee injuries cruciate ligament
• Type of source Internet
• Key info there are 3 things you can do when injury occurred. There are expected offer surgery for a
• Title Effects of a knee ligament injury
• Type of source Internet
• Key info Prevention attended Kllp sessions lessons. There program to help the injury.
• Author Dr Tim Kenny
• Title knee injury Ligament injury
• Type of source Internet
• Key info there are 4 bones surround the ligaments. How you can tell when you hurt your ligament.
• Author Elizabeth Quinn
• Title Ligament injury tip prevent
• Type of source Internet
• Key info Ligament prevention program you can do by yourself. Are women have a higher risk of
• Title Handout on Health: Sports Injuries
• Type of source Internet
• Key info Summary of the common injuries and tip on preventions.
Basic info
Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another. The ACL, one of two ligaments that cross
in the middle of the knee, connects your thigh bone to your shinbone and helps your knee joint. Most ACL
injuries happen during sports and fitness activities. The ligament may tear when you slow down suddenly to
change direction or pivot with your foot firmly planted, twisting your knee.
The knee is the largest joint in the body, and one of the most easily injured.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) the ligament, located in the center of the knee, that controls rotation and
forward movement of the tibia on the shin bone.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) the ligament, located in the back of the knee, that controls backward
movement of the tibia on the shin bone.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) the ligament that gives stability to the inner knee.
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) the ligament that gives stability to the outer knee.
Changing direction rapidly, slowing down when running, and landing from a jump may cause tears in the ACL.
Athletes who participate in skiing and basketball, and athletes who wear cleats, such as football players.
Injuries to the MCL are usually caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee. These types of injuries often
occur in contact sports, such as football or soccer.
The PCL is often injured when an athlete receives a blow to the front of the knee or makes a simple misstep on
Tears to the lateral collateral ligament most often occur from a direct blow to the inside of the knee. This can
stretch the ligaments on the outside of the near too far and may cause them to tear. This type of injury occurs in
sports that require a lot of quick stops and turns such as soccer, basketball, skiing, football or hockey.
Medial collateral ligament MCL injury is an injury to the ligament on the inner part of the knee. This ligament
keeps your shin bone in place. It can be a stretch, partial tear, or complete tear of the ligament. The MCL is
usually injured by pressure or stress on the outside part of the knee. A block to the outside part of the knee during
football is a common way for this ligament to be injured.
It is made up of the lower end of the thighbone which rotates on the upper end of the shinbone and the knee
cap which slides in a groove on the end of the femur. The knee also contains large ligaments which help control
motion by connecting bones and by bracing the joint against types of motion. Another important structure, the
meniscus, is a wedge of soft cartilage between the femur and tibia that serves to cushion the knee and helps it
absorb shock during motion. Many athletes experience injuries to their knee ligaments. Of the four major
ligaments found in the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament ACL and the medial collateral ligament MCL are often
The posterior cruciate ligament PCL may also be injured.
Ligament A band of fibrous tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint. Tendon Fibrous cords of tissue
Meniscus A C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts like a pad between the femur and tibia.
Sprain A stretch and/or tear of a ligament. Sprain an injury to either a muscle or a tendon.
Landing awkwardly from a jump can also injure your ACL, as can falls during downhill skiing. A football tackle
or motor vehicle accident also can cause an ACL injury. However, most ACL injuries occur without such contact.
Women are significantly more likely to have an ACL tear than are men participating in the same sports.
Women tend to have a strength imbalance, with the muscles at the front of the thigh being stronger than the
muscles at the back of the thigh hamstrings. The hamstrings help prevent the shinbone from moving too far
forward during activities. When landing from a jump, some women may land in a position that increases stress on
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most common ligaments to be injured. The ACL is often stretched
and/or torn during a sudden twisting motion when the feet stay planted one way, but the knees turn the other way.
Skiing, basketball, and football are sports that have a higher risk of ACL injuries.
The posterior cruciate ligament is also a common ligament to become injured in the knee. However, the PCL
injury usually occurs with sudden, direct impact, such as in a car accident or during a football tackle.
In addition, Doctors had previously thought that the bone bruise commonly seen in patients with ACL tears did
These are some NBA basketball player that ligament injuries happing to and came back.
Explain of elite basketball players
'It's been 11 years since Jamal Crawford tore his ACL, and not one of those seasons was wasted due to the injury.
Crawford underwent reconstructive surgery in 2001, and he went on to excel in the league, reaching his peak
seasons in the mid 2000s''.'( Young , “Bleaker report” Correspondent 10 May 2012)
''In 2001, during his third year in the NBA, guard Bonzi Wells injured his ACL. Portland initially avoided any
real details, but it was soon made known that Wells would undergo surgery for the torn ligament. The injury
didn't hold Wells back, however. He appeared in a list of names in a 2002 Sports Illustrated article that
acknowledged those athletes who specifically had recovered well from ACL injuries.''( Young , “Bleaker report”
Correspondent 10 May 2012)
Some risk after surgery are numbness in the surgical scar area, infection in the surgical incisions,
damage to structures, nerves, or blood vessels around and in the knee, blood clots in the knee, the usual risks
of anesthesia, limp hard to move the knee.
Prevention
The surgery of tear ligament and other can't be successfully put back together and may
recovery take several months to a year, so the ligament have to be replace with a piece of tendon form
another part of your knee or leg. A tendon graft from a decreased donor also may e an option. This surgery is
usually perform through small incisions around your knee. A fiber optic viewing scope is used to guide the placement of the ligament graft.
After the surgery you got to do these thing. Use crutches or knee brace, range of motion exercises to regain your full knee motion, muscle strengthening and stability exercises.
Women tend to have a strength imbalance with the muscles at the front of the thigh being stronger
than the muscles at the back of the thigh hamstrings. The hamstrings help prevent the shinbone
from moving too far forward during activities. When landing from a jump, some women may land in a position that
increase stress on their ligament injury. (Dharamsi, 2013, pg 3)
The best way to avoid ligament injuries is to learn how to land properly. Follow these three simple guidelines to stay safe on the court or field.
Avoid placing excess tress on your toes and forefeet when jumping or landing, to prevent knock knees. Land with your knees and hips bent to
absorb impact. Keep your upper body upright during landing.
Preventions of ligament injuries like always warm up before playing any sports and do
walking lunges, strengthen, squats, jumping and landing safely. These can change your life
term from any types of ligament injuries.
Sports related injuries are serious concern among elite athletes and may affect their life in
multiple ways. participating in competitive sports offers risk and reward for each athlete.
The wear and tear athletes subject their bodies to in their prime of their athletic career most often
leads to serious health problems later on in life. It gets to the them and scary them from playing that sport
they love. When i broke my figure i was scary to play basketball again but i look pas that and practice an try not to
hurt so i got to feel that pain again. Derrick Ross story of his injury Rose tore the ACl in his left knee in April 2012. "He
has pain and he felt like he couldn't push off his right knee." Thibodeau said. He later added, "I know how much
work he's put into his rehab, the type of person he is, the type of player he is . So concern for that, i feel for him because of all
the things he dose mean to our team."
Bibliography
• The Ohio State University wexner medical center. N/A. . Sponsoring Institution. May 10,2014
http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/orthopaedics/joint/knee_pain/Pages/index.aspx
• 10 NBA Players Who Suffered a Torn ACL and Recovered Better Than Ever . Lindsey Young. May 10,
2012 . NBA. Feb 14, 2014 <http://bleacherreport.com/articles/117765110nbaplayersthatsuffered
tornaclsandrecoveredbetterthanever>
• ACL injuries may have impact on knees. Dr. Eric W. Edmonds. MAY 1, 2012. UT san Diego. Feb 16,
2014 <http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/May/01/aclinjuriesmayhaveimpactonknees/>
• Diseases and Conditions ACL injury. Mayo Clinic Staff. Jan. 04, 2013. Mayo Clinic. Feb 10, 2014
<http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/aclinjury/basics/definition/CON20030106>
• ACL Tears Handicap NFL Players—Sports Reaction Center Provides Solution with ACL Prevention
Program. N/A. October 17, 2013. PRweb. Feb 14, 2014
<http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/10/prweb11237380.htm>
• Prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injury in the female athlete . N/A. July 3,2007. PMC. Feb 18,
2014 <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2465242/>
Essential Question:What are ligament injuries? What are the causes and effects,
and can they be prevented?
Jevin Nathaniel
Mrs. Lindinger
Senior Project
February 7, 2014
Introductory Paragraph
At some point in elite athlete's career they will probably be faced with challenges sport injuryies . Given the fact
that the knee has the highest injury rate in any sport, it may very well be a knee injury that is keeping an athlete
sidelined. In the different sources who I statement such as books and internet web sites, what the topics discussed
will be are ligament injuries and the different type of ligaments, the causes and the effects, also the preventions.
The cause and effects which by most injuries happen during sports and fitness activities. The ligament may tear
when you slow down suddenly to change direction or pivot with your foot firmly planted, twisting. You can hear
a popping noise and feel your knee give out at the time of injury most likely have severe types of pain and having
no movement of the knee so limping an swelling around the knee.
The different types of ligaments are anterior cruciate ligament, this ligament is located in the center of the knee
that controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia. Posterior cruciate ligament the ligament located in the
back of the knee that controls backward movement of the tibia. Medial collateral ligament the ligament that gives
stability to the inner knee. Lateral collateral ligament the ligament that gives stability to the outer knee.
Preventions of ligament injuries are to warm up before playing any sports, do walking lunges, , squats, stretch,
jumping and landing safely. These can change your life from any type of ligament injury.
Literature Review
• Author The Ohio State University wexner medical
• Title Ligament injuries to the knee
• Type of source Internet
• Key info there are 4 types of ligaments. There are 5 type of ligaments injury diagnosed.
• Author Dr Hans Gad Johansen, Ejnar Kuur
• Title Knee injuries cruciate ligament
• Type of source Internet
• Key info there are 3 things you can do when injury occurred. There are expected offer surgery for a
• Title Effects of a knee ligament injury
• Type of source Internet
• Key info Prevention attended Kllp sessions lessons. There program to help the injury.
• Author Dr Tim Kenny
• Title knee injury Ligament injury
• Type of source Internet
• Key info there are 4 bones surround the ligaments. How you can tell when you hurt your ligament.
• Author Elizabeth Quinn
• Title Ligament injury tip prevent
• Type of source Internet
• Key info Ligament prevention program you can do by yourself. Are women have a higher risk of
• Title Handout on Health: Sports Injuries
• Type of source Internet
• Key info Summary of the common injuries and tip on preventions.
Basic info
Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another. The ACL, one of two ligaments that cross
in the middle of the knee, connects your thigh bone to your shinbone and helps your knee joint. Most ACL
injuries happen during sports and fitness activities. The ligament may tear when you slow down suddenly to
change direction or pivot with your foot firmly planted, twisting your knee.
The knee is the largest joint in the body, and one of the most easily injured.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) the ligament, located in the center of the knee, that controls rotation and
forward movement of the tibia on the shin bone.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) the ligament, located in the back of the knee, that controls backward
movement of the tibia on the shin bone.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) the ligament that gives stability to the inner knee.
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) the ligament that gives stability to the outer knee.
Changing direction rapidly, slowing down when running, and landing from a jump may cause tears in the ACL.
Athletes who participate in skiing and basketball, and athletes who wear cleats, such as football players.
Injuries to the MCL are usually caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee. These types of injuries often
occur in contact sports, such as football or soccer.
The PCL is often injured when an athlete receives a blow to the front of the knee or makes a simple misstep on
Tears to the lateral collateral ligament most often occur from a direct blow to the inside of the knee. This can
stretch the ligaments on the outside of the near too far and may cause them to tear. This type of injury occurs in
sports that require a lot of quick stops and turns such as soccer, basketball, skiing, football or hockey.
Medial collateral ligament MCL injury is an injury to the ligament on the inner part of the knee. This ligament
keeps your shin bone in place. It can be a stretch, partial tear, or complete tear of the ligament. The MCL is
usually injured by pressure or stress on the outside part of the knee. A block to the outside part of the knee during
football is a common way for this ligament to be injured.
It is made up of the lower end of the thighbone which rotates on the upper end of the shinbone and the knee
cap which slides in a groove on the end of the femur. The knee also contains large ligaments which help control
motion by connecting bones and by bracing the joint against types of motion. Another important structure, the
meniscus, is a wedge of soft cartilage between the femur and tibia that serves to cushion the knee and helps it
absorb shock during motion. Many athletes experience injuries to their knee ligaments. Of the four major
ligaments found in the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament ACL and the medial collateral ligament MCL are often
The posterior cruciate ligament PCL may also be injured.
Ligament A band of fibrous tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint. Tendon Fibrous cords of tissue
Meniscus A C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts like a pad between the femur and tibia.
Sprain A stretch and/or tear of a ligament. Sprain an injury to either a muscle or a tendon.
Landing awkwardly from a jump can also injure your ACL, as can falls during downhill skiing. A football tackle
or motor vehicle accident also can cause an ACL injury. However, most ACL injuries occur without such contact.
Women are significantly more likely to have an ACL tear than are men participating in the same sports.
Women tend to have a strength imbalance, with the muscles at the front of the thigh being stronger than the
muscles at the back of the thigh hamstrings. The hamstrings help prevent the shinbone from moving too far
forward during activities. When landing from a jump, some women may land in a position that increases stress on
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most common ligaments to be injured. The ACL is often stretched
and/or torn during a sudden twisting motion when the feet stay planted one way, but the knees turn the other way.
Skiing, basketball, and football are sports that have a higher risk of ACL injuries.
The posterior cruciate ligament is also a common ligament to become injured in the knee. However, the PCL
injury usually occurs with sudden, direct impact, such as in a car accident or during a football tackle.
In addition, Doctors had previously thought that the bone bruise commonly seen in patients with ACL tears did
These are some NBA basketball player that ligament injuries happing to and came back.
Explain of elite basketball players
'It's been 11 years since Jamal Crawford tore his ACL, and not one of those seasons was wasted due to the injury.
Crawford underwent reconstructive surgery in 2001, and he went on to excel in the league, reaching his peak
seasons in the mid 2000s''.'( Young , “Bleaker report” Correspondent 10 May 2012)
''In 2001, during his third year in the NBA, guard Bonzi Wells injured his ACL. Portland initially avoided any
real details, but it was soon made known that Wells would undergo surgery for the torn ligament. The injury
didn't hold Wells back, however. He appeared in a list of names in a 2002 Sports Illustrated article that
acknowledged those athletes who specifically had recovered well from ACL injuries.''( Young , “Bleaker report”
Correspondent 10 May 2012)
Some risk after surgery are numbness in the surgical scar area, infection in the surgical incisions,
damage to structures, nerves, or blood vessels around and in the knee, blood clots in the knee, the usual risks
of anesthesia, limp hard to move the knee.
Prevention
The surgery of tear ligament and other can't be successfully put back together and may
recovery take several months to a year, so the ligament have to be replace with a piece of tendon form
another part of your knee or leg. A tendon graft from a decreased donor also may e an option. This surgery is
usually perform through small incisions around your knee. A fiber optic viewing scope is used to guide the placement of the ligament graft.
After the surgery you got to do these thing. Use crutches or knee brace, range of motion exercises to regain your full knee motion, muscle strengthening and stability exercises.
Women tend to have a strength imbalance with the muscles at the front of the thigh being stronger
than the muscles at the back of the thigh hamstrings. The hamstrings help prevent the shinbone
from moving too far forward during activities. When landing from a jump, some women may land in a position that
increase stress on their ligament injury. (Dharamsi, 2013, pg 3)
The best way to avoid ligament injuries is to learn how to land properly. Follow these three simple guidelines to stay safe on the court or field.
Avoid placing excess tress on your toes and forefeet when jumping or landing, to prevent knock knees. Land with your knees and hips bent to
absorb impact. Keep your upper body upright during landing.
Preventions of ligament injuries like always warm up before playing any sports and do
walking lunges, strengthen, squats, jumping and landing safely. These can change your life
term from any types of ligament injuries.
Sports related injuries are serious concern among elite athletes and may affect their life in
multiple ways. participating in competitive sports offers risk and reward for each athlete.
The wear and tear athletes subject their bodies to in their prime of their athletic career most often
leads to serious health problems later on in life. It gets to the them and scary them from playing that sport
they love. When i broke my figure i was scary to play basketball again but i look pas that and practice an try not to
hurt so i got to feel that pain again. Derrick Ross story of his injury Rose tore the ACl in his left knee in April 2012. "He
has pain and he felt like he couldn't push off his right knee." Thibodeau said. He later added, "I know how much
work he's put into his rehab, the type of person he is, the type of player he is . So concern for that, i feel for him because of all
the things he dose mean to our team."
Bibliography
• The Ohio State University wexner medical center. N/A. . Sponsoring Institution. May 10,2014
http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/orthopaedics/joint/knee_pain/Pages/index.aspx
• 10 NBA Players Who Suffered a Torn ACL and Recovered Better Than Ever . Lindsey Young. May 10,
2012 . NBA. Feb 14, 2014 <http://bleacherreport.com/articles/117765110nbaplayersthatsuffered
tornaclsandrecoveredbetterthanever>
• ACL injuries may have impact on knees. Dr. Eric W. Edmonds. MAY 1, 2012. UT san Diego. Feb 16,
2014 <http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/May/01/aclinjuriesmayhaveimpactonknees/>
• Diseases and Conditions ACL injury. Mayo Clinic Staff. Jan. 04, 2013. Mayo Clinic. Feb 10, 2014
<http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/aclinjury/basics/definition/CON20030106>
• ACL Tears Handicap NFL Players—Sports Reaction Center Provides Solution with ACL Prevention
Program. N/A. October 17, 2013. PRweb. Feb 14, 2014
<http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/10/prweb11237380.htm>
• Prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injury in the female athlete . N/A. July 3,2007. PMC. Feb 18,
2014 <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2465242/>