The knee is one of the most complex and heavily used joints in the body, providing both strength and mobility for everyday activities and athletic performance. Unfortunately, its complexity also makes it vulnerable to injury—particularly ligament tears. For athletes and active individuals, a torn knee ligament can be a life-changing event that requires expert evaluation and, in many cases, surgical repair.
At Jonathan L. Glashow, MD, Orthopedic & Sports Medicine in New York City, we specialize in diagnosing and treating knee ligament injuries. Dr. Glashow, a nationally recognized board-certified orthopedic surgeon and top sports medicine expert, has helped professional athletes, weekend warriors, and active patients return to peak performance through advanced surgical and non-surgical care.
The Four Major Knee Ligaments
The knee relies on four primary ligaments for stability. Each plays a unique role, and each can be injured in different ways:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): One of the most commonly injured ligaments, the ACL stabilizes the knee during sudden changes in direction, pivoting, or stopping. Tears often occur in high-impact sports like football, basketball, soccer, or skiing.
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): Located behind the ACL, the PCL prevents the shinbone from moving too far backward. Injuries are less common but can occur during car accidents (dashboard injuries) or contact sports.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Found on the inner side of the knee, the MCL is commonly injured from blows to the outside of the knee, such as football tackles or skiing accidents.
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): On the outer side of the knee, the LCL is less commonly injured but can tear with trauma that pushes the knee inward.
Causes and Risk Factors
Knee ligament tears are often caused by:
- Sudden stops, pivots, or twists during sports
- Direct blows to the knee
- Improper landings from jumps
- High-impact trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, ACL tears alone affect more than 200,000 people each year in the United States, with about half requiring reconstructive surgery.
Symptoms of a Knee Ligament Tear
While each ligament injury presents differently, common symptoms include:
- Sudden pain and swelling
- A “popping” sound at the time of injury (common with ACL tears)
- Instability or the knee “giving way”
- Difficulty bearing weight or moving the joint
When Is Surgery Needed?
Not all ligament tears require surgery. Minor MCL or LCL sprains often heal with rest, bracing, and physical therapy. However, surgical intervention is typically needed when:
- The ligament is completely torn (especially ACL or PCL tears)
- Instability prevents return to sports or daily activities
- Multiple ligaments are injured simultaneously
- Conservative treatment fails to restore strength and stability
ACL reconstruction is one of the most common procedures performed in sports medicine. Using minimally invasive techniques, the torn ligament is replaced with a graft, restoring stability and function to the knee.
Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow: Expertise You Can Trust
When it comes to knee ligament injuries, expertise matters. Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and one of the country’s leading sports medicine specialists. Based in Manhattan with another office in Miami Beach, FL, he has served as the former Co-Chief of Sports Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center and has worked with professional teams and elite athletes, as well as recreational athletes and active patients across New York.
Dr. Glashow’s practice is known for:
- Advanced surgical techniques in minimally invasive ligament repair and reconstruction
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s injury and lifestyle
- Cutting-edge rehabilitation protocols to ensure optimal recovery and safe return to activity
- Trusted care for athletes of all levels, from professionals to weekend warriors
Get Back in the Game
A knee ligament tear can feel devastating, but with the right care, recovery is possible. At Jonathan L. Glashow, MD, Orthopedic & Sports Medicine in NYC, we are committed to helping patients regain stability, strength, and confidence.
Contact our Manhattan or Miami Beach office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about treatment options for knee ligament tears.
