Diagnosis and management of acute knee ligament injuries.

Knee ligament injuries are a common problem, especially in the athletic age group. The most common knee ligament injury is the so-called isolated anterior cruciate ligament tear. This is also the injury most likely to be missed. Isolated collateral ligament tears are generally managed non-operatively, but combined collateral and cruciate tears should be surgically repaired. "Isolated" anterior cruciate tears are generally repaired in the younger active athlete but are managed by hamstring exercises in the older individual. Isolated posterior cruciate ligament tears are managed non-operatively unless a bony avulsion is present.