Acute knee ligament sprains

Acute knee ligament sprains are common and may require surgical management if the tear is complete. The 2 most commonly injured knee ligaments are the:

• anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—complete tear (or rupture) of the ACL is a common sporting injury; for more detailed information on the initial management for ACL injuries, see ACL injuries
• medial collateral ligament (MCL)—grades 1 to 3 sprains are common and can be associated with acute medial meniscal injury; for more detailed information on the initial management for MCL injuries, see MCL injuries.

Injuries to the ACL, MCL and medial meniscus can coexist if the mechanism of injury involved a severe valgus stress to the knee.