Did your knee twist during a game or sudden stop, followed by a pop and swelling? Ligament injuries like ACL, PCL, LCL, and MCL tears can make your knee feel unstable and unsafe to trust.
Cristobal Beiro, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine. Fellowship-trained and highly experienced in complex knee surgery, he provides advanced ligament reconstruction in Avenel, NJ, and helps patients dealing with a wide range of knee conditions.
What Are ACL, PCL, LCL, and MCL Injuries?
Your knee relies on four major ligaments for stability:
- ACL (anterior cruciate ligament): Controls forward movement and rotation
- PCL (posterior cruciate ligament): Prevents the shinbone from moving backward
- MCL (medial collateral ligament): Stabilizes the inner knee
- LCL (lateral collateral ligament): Stabilizes the outer knee
These ligaments can stretch or tear during sports, falls, car accidents, or sudden changes in direction. ACL injuries are especially common in athletes who pivot or jump frequently.
Symptoms of a Knee Ligament Tear
You may notice:
- A popping sound at the time of injury
- Rapid swelling
- Knee instability or buckling
- Pain with weight bearing
- Limited range of motion
Proper examination and imaging, such as MRI, help confirm the specific ligament involved.
Treatment Options for Ligament Injuries
Mild sprains may improve with bracing, rest, and physical therapy. However, complete tears especially ACL injuries often require surgery to restore stability, particularly if you want to return to sports or an active lifestyle.
Surgical options may include:
- Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction
- PCL reconstruction
- Repair or reconstruction of the MCL or LCL
- Combined procedures for multiple ligament injuries
Dr. Beiro uses minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to reduce tissue disruption and support recovery.
Recovery After Ligament Reconstruction
Rehabilitation is essential after knee ligament surgery. Recovery typically includes:
- Early motion exercises
- Gradual strengthening
- Physical therapy
- Progressive return to activity
Full recovery can take several months, depending on the ligament injured and your activity goals. With commitment to rehab, many patients return to sports and demanding physical work.
Why Choose Cristobal Beiro, MD, for ACL/PCL/LCL/MCL Injury Treatment in Avenel, NJ?
Dr. Cris Beiro completed his fellowship in sports medicine at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, where he served as assistant team physician for professional and collegiate teams, including the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Nationals. He is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery and highly experienced in complex knee reconstruction.
As co-founder of Garden State Bone and Joint and an attending physician at several area hospitals, Dr. Beiro provides advanced surgical care close to home. His patient-centered approach focuses on restoring stability, protecting long-term joint health, and helping you return to the activities you value most.
Regain Stability and Confidence in Your Knee
A torn ligament can make every step feel uncertain. With the right diagnosis and surgical expertise, you can rebuild strength and return to an active life.
If youre dealing with knee instability in Avenel, NJ, contact Cristobal Beiro, MD, at (732) 283-2663 to discuss your treatment options and next steps.
