How do Knee Ligament Sprains Occur?
Most sprains of the knee occur through some type of trauma. This trauma can be from both contact and non-contact. ACL are common ligament injuries that frequently occur from non contact trauma. A rapid change of direction can allow the knee to buckle inward, putting stress on the ligaments. Of course contact can also cause increased ligament stress. The most common mechanism of injury for direct trauma injuries is contact on the outside or lateral aspect of the knee, causing the knee to buckle inward. The most common ligament injury of the knee is the ACL. The ACL is injured when the knee is forced medially (a valgus stress), rotated, and/or hyper extended. These injuries occur more often in female athletes that play agility sports such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Because of the direction of force, the MCL ligament is also commonly injured along with the ACL. Lateral collateral (LCL) and posterior cruciate (PCL) ligament injuries are less common.
