5 Traumatic Knee Injuries and Their Treatments

The knee is a vital and complex joint, essential for everyday mobility and athletic performance. However, due to its intricate structure and constant use, it’s highly susceptible to traumatic injuries. 

Sports-related accidents, falls, or other sudden impacts often lead to pain, loss of function, and, if not treated properly, long-term complications. 

At Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, in Henderson and Las Vegas, patients receive comprehensive orthopedic care from board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic professionals. Our Fast Track Clinic provides same-day visits for acute orthopedic injuries. 

Our team is equipped to evaluate, diagnose, and create tailored treatment plans, offering on-site services such as imaging, physical therapy, and advanced procedures as needed. If you have a sudden knee injury, you can rely on our team to provide the top-quality care you deserve. 

Here we provide information about some of the most common traumatic knee injuries, and how they’re treated. 

Ligament tears

If your knee suddenly buckles or you hear a pop, you may have torn a ligament. Anterior cruciate ligament ACL injuries are common in sports that involve sudden pivoting, jumping, or changes in direction or tackling. 

On the other hand, medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries often follow direct blows or awkward landings. 

For partial tears, we start with bracing, targeted physical therapy, and careful activity modification. Complete tears that affect stability and your ability to return to sport usually need reconstruction, and our orthopedic surgeons favor minimally invasive approaches when appropriate. 

Rehabilitation typically lasts several months and focuses on progressive strengthening and return-to-sport testing.

Meniscus tears

The meniscus serves as a shock absorber and stabilizer. You can tear it by twisting while your foot is planted or from a direct impact. If you sustain a meniscus tear, you’re likely to experience sharp pain and swelling, as well as a feeling that the joint is catching or locked. 

Small tears sometimes improve with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and occasionally PRP injections to boost healing. If a tear doesn’t respond to conservative care, arthroscopic repair or partial meniscectomy can relieve pain and protect long-term joint health. 

Our specialists consider your age, activity level, and the tear pattern when recommending repair versus removal.

Patellar dislocation

A dislocated patella means the kneecap has slipped out of its groove, causing sudden pain and swelling. Our team may realign it in the clinic, fit a brace, and begin gentle range-of-motion and quadricep retraining. 

If dislocations recur or cartilage is damaged, surgical stabilization or alignment procedures may be needed to restore proper tracking. Recovery focuses on muscle balance and preventing future episodes.

Fractures

Knee fractures, which can affect the kneecap, femur, or the joint’s surface, vary in severity. Stable fractures can often heal with nonsurgical treatment, using immobilization followed by a guided rehabilitation plan to regain motion and strength over time. 

However, for more severe displaced or multi-fragment fractures, surgery is typically needed to realign the bones and secure them in place. This surgical approach helps minimize long-term stiffness and facilitates a safer return to your normal activities.

Multi-ligament injuries

Severe trauma, such as car crashes or high-impact sports, can damage several ligaments at once and create major instability. These cases are complex, may involve nerve or vascular concerns, and typically need coordinated surgical reconstruction. 

Restoring your knee health

For every knee injury, our team focuses on three core principles: accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and rehabilitation that prioritizes restoring your function. We offer a full spectrum of care, from conservative treatments and PRP injections to minimally invasive surgery. 

Regardless of your specific needs, our clinical professionals will design a personalized plan centered on your individual goals for a safe and effective recovery.

Ready to get back on your feet?

If knee pain, swelling, or instability is keeping you from work, play, or daily life, call Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center or book an appointment online. We accept new patients and offer same-day urgent orthopedic care through our Fast Track Clinic. Our specialists are ready to evaluate your knee and create the right plan for you.