A knee ligament injury can happen from an accident or by participating in sports that place a strain on the knee. When ligaments suffer damage, your knee may become unstable depending upon the severity of the injury. Treatment to correct injuries to the knee ligaments often includes wearing a knee immobiliser for a period of time.

The Four Primary Ligaments of the Knee

Ligaments attach the thighbone or femur to the shinbone or tibia. The following are the four primary ligaments of the knee:

  • Lateral collateral ligament is the ligament that provides stability on the outer area of the knee
  • Medial collateral ligament supports the inner knee
  • Anterior cruciate ligament helps maintain the stability of the centre knee to ensure the correct forward movement and rotation of the shinbone
  • Posterior cruciate ligament controls the tibia’s backward movement, and it is located in the centre area of the knee

How Knee Immobilisers Help Heal Knee Ligaments

A knee immobiliser restricts the movement of knee to facilitate healing of the knee ligaments. At times, this is the only treatment that is necessary, but at other times, a doctor must surgically repair it along with use the immobiliser.

Safety Tips for Using Knee Immobilisers

  1. Consult with a specialist to ensure that wearing one of the knee immobilisers is the right course of treatment for your particular injury. He or she also will fit one to your leg in the proper manner.
  1. Many times, a professional will instruct the use of crutches along with the immobilisers to keep stress off the knee. In addition, wear the immobiliser the prescribed length of time to ensure that your knee has sufficient time to heal.
  1. Replace the immobiliser if it becomes damaged or overly worn since it will not support your knee adequately in this condition.

Various Styles of Immobilisers Are Available

You will find various styles of knee immobilisers are available today such as the following examples:

  • The ‘Donjoy Knee Immobilisers – Zimmer’ make ideal post-op braces since they contain cloth, padding and support with adjustable straps. Support starts up in the thigh area and extends down to about the mid-calf with an opening for the kneecap.
  • Cool X-act ROM Post-Op Knee Brace provides effective support for the knee with its lightweight construction without being bulky or hot to wear.

For further information of your knee ligament injury and which knee immobiliser is right for your specific needs, contact Orthotics Plus.