When you sustain a knee injury, you damage one of the four major ligaments found in your knee. The most common injury I see is torn cartilage, also known as your meniscus. More serious injuries involve medial collateral ligament (MCL), the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and less often the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
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ACL injury
Usually occurs while changing direction rapidly. -
MCL injury
Injuries to the MCL are usually caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee. -
PCL injury
The PCL is often injured when a worker receives a blow to the front of the knee or makes a simple misstep. -
Torn cartilage
When people talk about torn knee cartilage, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus. The meniscus is a tough, rubbery cartilage that is attached to the knee's ligaments. The meniscus usually tears due to sudden twisting, jumping, or trauma to the knee. Physical contact is often involved.
