ACL Injury and Torn Cartilage are Two Most Common Knee Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents

As the largest joint in the body, the knee joint hinges the leg between the thigh and the calf. The knee is such a pivotal joint in the human body as it supports a large portion of the body’s weight. Being such a vulnerable body part makes the knee susceptible to injury.

Main Ligaments in the Knee
Extension and flexion are the two functions of the knee joint. Those two movements are generally stabilized by a pair of ligaments inside the joint- the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). These two ligaments prevent the tibia from being pushed too far forward or backward relative to the femur bone.

There are also two outer ligaments- the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The MCL stretches between the femur and the tibia bones, fusing with the meniscus. On the outer side of the knee, this ligament protects the knee joint from being bent open due to trauma. The LCL does the same job but on the inside part of the knee joint.

Other Parts of the Knee
Strong ligaments do help keep the knee healthy and working, but there are other small parts on the joint that can be equally painful to injure. The medial meniscus and lateral meniscus lie on the ends of the two leg bones on the inside of the knee joint. The two menisci disks reduce friction on the knee as it is in use, like shock absorption for the knee. Cartilage, thin elastic tissue, also protects the knee joint by allowing joint surfaces to slide easily over one another.

Slip and fall accidents often result in knee injuries. Whether it’s an acute wound or a bruise to a part of the knee, the injury can put the hurt person out for a long time until the injury heals. We know the three most common injuries from slip and falls are knee injuries, wrist injuries and soft tissue injuries. Four of the most common knee injuries,according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), are:

ACL injury
MCL injury
PCL injury
Torn cartilage

An ACL tear or damaged cartilage often result from slip and fall accidents. As the knee bears the brunt of the person’s weight, it becomes the easiest part of the body to be injured. Such injuries can lead to countless doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, MRIs and even knee surgery. Even after a successful recovery, it is possible that there may be permanent residual problems with the joint, like discomfort or functional limitations.

If you have a knee injury resulting from a slip and fall accident, you can contact The Kalka Law Group for a free consultation. Our firm handles Georgia slip and fall cases across the state.