Drew Stein, MD- Orthopedic Surgeon Specializing in Sports Medicine

A Look at the Different Ligaments of the Knee

The knee consists of four ligaments: the MCL, LCL, ACL, and PCL. These four ligaments surround the two bones of the knee: the femur and the tibia. Knee ligaments are made of tough fibrous material that provide the knee with strength and stability and control excessive motion by limiting joint mobility. Drew Stein, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, including treatment of knee ligament or cartilage tears, and knee osteochondral defects. Here is some information about the four ligaments of the knee.

Medical Collateral Ligament

The medical collateral ligament (MCL) is located at the inside of the knee joint. The MCL connects the shinbone (tibia) with the thighbone (femur). Its primary function is to prevent the overextension of the knee joint from side to side. A typical MCL injury results when the outside of the knee joint is struck. Typical treatment aims to increase mobility and strengthen the knee.

Lateral Collateral Ligament

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a thin band of tissue that runs along the outside of the knee, connecting the femur to the fibula. Similar to the MCL, the LCL’s main function is to keep the knee stable as it moves through its full arc of motion. A locking of the joint, the feeling that your knee may give way, and stiffness are a few of the common indicators of an LCL tear.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) extends from the tibia and inserts on the lateral femoral condyle. The basic function of the ACL is to provide stability to the knee and minimize stress across the knee joint. Torn ACLs are common in athletes, especially those that play contact sports such as football.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) extends from the tibia posterior to the medial femoral condyle. The PCL is the knee’s basic stabilizer and is almost twice as strong as the ACL. It prevents excessive movement of the femur on the tibia. The PCL often requires surgery for a complete tear.

If you’re an athlete and have suffered an injury, you may need to speak with an orthopedic surgeon. Call Drew Stein, M.D. in New York at (212) 398-2300 to schedule an appointment today.

A Personal Review of Dr. Drew Stein from a Former Patient and Marathon Runner

Suffering a knee injury can be demoralizing and the path of recovery can seem daunting, especially for an athlete who is accustomed to performing at a high level without interruption. Knee injuries are common amongst athletes, and to restore full strength and range of motion, it’s important to find an orthopedic specialist that provides the highest quality orthopedic care.

In this video, you will see a testimonial from one of Dr. Drew Stein’s patients. She is a 12-time marathon runner that suffered a knee injury and went through six doctors before finally discovering Dr. Stein. She credits Dr. Stein for taking the time to figure out her symptoms and for performing a successful surgery. After her treatment and surgery, she was then able to run the New York City Marathon once again.

If you are an athlete who has suffered from a knee injury, it is important to see an orthopedic specialist. Drew Stein, M.D. treats all types of orthopedic injuries and you can schedule an appointment with him by calling (212) 398-2300.

Common Causes of Patella Injuries

Because of the knee’s central role in mobility, an injury to the knee can be devastating. Essential in the function of the knee is the kneecap, or patella. Whether one is active or not, the patella is susceptible to injury. If you suffer from an injury to the patella, don’t hesitate to see a certified orthopedic surgeon. He or she can assess the severity of the injury, as well as discuss treatment options with you. Here are some common causes of injury to the kneecap:

Direct Impact to the Knee
Athletes who participate in contact sports, such as football or soccer, are at an increased risk for injuries to the patella. When the kneecap experiences an acute and traumatic impact, it can fracture or become dislocated. Of course, this injury can also occur in any number of scenarios, such as car accidents, falls, or an object being dropped on the knee. An orthopedic surgeon will assess the damage, determining if in fact the bone was fractured. With a fracture, the knee is set and left to heal. If the kneecap is broken, the injury will often require surgery. 

Eccentric Contraction
Although most people associate contractions with the shortening of the muscles, in fact, everyday activities require one’s muscles to be active when they are lengthening, as well. An eccentric contraction is just that—a type of contraction that occurs when the muscles are lengthening. Injury can occur when the opposing force is too much for the contracting muscle to withstand. So, in the knee, when the quadriceps is lengthened and the knee joint straightens and too much force is applied, a fracture can occur.

If you are looking for an orthopedic surgeon in New York, contact the offices of Drew Stein, M.D. We specialize in orthopedic and arthroscopic surgery, and we can design a custom treatment plan to address your specific injury. Call us at (212) 398-2300 to schedule an appointment. 

Catastrophic Brain Injuries in High School Football Players at All-Time High

The Wall Street Journal recently posted about a new report that revealed a growing number of catastrophic brain injuries amongst high school football players. Head injuries in adolescent athletes are something every orthopedic surgeon sees more often than they would like. Most of the athletes with head injuries seen by Dr. Stein, a New York orthopedic surgeon, received the injury playing football.

The WSJ article noted from the report that, “While the number of kids with these brain injuries is small — 13 out of about 1.1 million high-school players — it’s the highest tally since the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research at UNC started collecting the brain-injury stats in 1984, says Dr. Frederick  Mueller, the center’s director and an emeritus professor of exercise and sports science.”

Head injuries should not be taken lightly and should be looked at by an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. If you are looking for a reputable and experienced orthopedic surgeon in New York, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stein and read reviews for him on this blog!

See How Dr. Stein can help you Recover Function after Suffering a Knee or Hip Injury

Injuries to the hip and knee are very common and can be debilitating. To learn more about the anatomy and function of these joints, take a look at these resources.

• For an in-depth look at the anatomy of the hip joint, visit Arthritis-Health.com.
   
• The meniscus is vital to knee function, but it can easily be injured, as the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons can tell you.
   
• Check out this page to learn more about meniscal surgery.
   
• The meniscus can tear in several different ways, which are shown on this web page from Medscape.
   
• Prompt treatment of ACL tears is vital for recovery. First aid, including ice and elevation, will help decrease swelling until more advanced medical treatment can take place.

If you’ve been injured while playing sports, you may need the attention of an orthopedic surgeon. Call Drew Stein, M.D. in New York at (212) 398-2300 to discuss your injury you’re your treatment options.