ABSTRACT
The knee is a complex joint which is vulnerable to injury. The tibia is also particularly vulnerable to injury: because of its subcutaneous position, it is more commonly fractured, and more often sustains an open fracture, than any other long bone. Injuries of the knee ligaments are common, particularly in sporting pursuits but also in road accidents, where they may be associated with fractures or dislocations. They vary in severity from a simple sprain to complete rupture. The direction and nature of the force directly influence the structure or structures injured. It is important to recognize that these injuries are seldom 'unidirectional'; they often involve more than one structure and it is therefore useful to refer to them in functional terms such as 'anteromedial instability' as well as anatomical terms such as 'torn medial collateral ligament (MCL)'. The cruciate ligaments provide both anteroposterior and rotary stability. More importantly, the leg and foot is carefully examined for signs of vascular/neurological injury.
