Prolotherapy for Chronic Pain and Sports Medicine
Ross Hauser, M.D. Oak Park, Illinois
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Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services Oak Park IL 708-848-7789
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The Cruciate Ligaments of the Knee: ACL, MCL and PCL
Ross Hauser, M.D.

ACL
The anterior cruciate is frequently injured during sports such as football, soccer, and basketball. The most common cause of isolated ACL injury is a deceleration, cutting movement. When an athlete is struck by another player from behind and the outside, the ACL and medial collateral ligament (MCL) may both be injured. Injury is often accompanied by an audible "pop" usually with, and occasionally without, pain. If this injury occurs while bearing weight on the knee, the meniscus is regularly affected as well. The length and weight of downhill skis combined with failure of the bindings to release during a fall are a common cause of this type of injury during skiing, despite improved equipment.

Untreated, relaxed, or torn ACLs have clearly been shown to lead to degeneration of the meniscus and eventual degenerative arthritis. Whereas treatment of the ACL seems to save the meniscus and preserve the joint from osteoarthritis. (Scott, W. Dr. Scott's Knee Book. New York, NY: Fireside, 1996, p.75. Feretti, A. Osteoarthritis of the knee after ACL reconstruction. Int Orthop. 1991; 15:367-371.)

PCL
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is also about two inches long. It limits backward motion of the tibia, the large bone just below the knee. It is uncommon to injure the PCL during sports. More commonly, it is injured during a motor vehicle accident when the knees hit the dashboard. A person who sustains a PCL injury without other associated ligament disruption will probably remain symptom free. (Torg, J. Natural history of the posterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee. Clinical Orthopaedics. 1989; 246:208-216.)

If pain does occur, Prolotherapy to the two attachments of the PCL inside the knee is effective at tightening these ligaments.

MRI scans are quite inaccurate at diagnosing cruciate ligament injury. They are not as accurate as one would think in differentiating between a complete tear and a partial tear. (Scott, W. Dr. Scott's Knee Book. New York, NY: Fireside, 1996, p. 74.)

We have had plenty of occasions where the MRI - (Knee Research Study) showed extensive knee damage and Prolotherapy completely relieved the pain. Obviously, the more extensive injuries in and around the knee require more Prolotherapy injections per visit, and often an increased number of visits.

Of course, surgery is repeatedly recommended for torn cruciate ligaments. For anything except complete rupture (grade 3 injury) of the anterior cruciate ligament, avoid surgery if possible. The fact that there are so many ways to perform the surgery is an indication that there is no one excellent method.

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Ross Hauser, M.D. Dr. Hauser received his M.D. from the University of Illinois, Chicago; completed his residency at Loyola-Hines VA-Marianjoy Hospitals in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Hauser is the Medical Director and co-founder of the physician-run, comprehensive natural medicine clinic, Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services in Oak Park, Illinois. Dr. Hauser is one of the leading experts in the treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries with Prolotherapy. He, along with his wife Marion, have written seven books on the topic of Prolotherapy, a comprehensive book on the natural medicine approach to cancer, as well as a myriad of articles and newsletters for the general public. Read more Ask A QUESTION
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The information on this website is presented as information only and not a self-help guide NOR AS SPECIFIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS. Never alter or change your health management or begin any new health plans without first consulting your personal health care provider. Some statements on this site regarding the value of nutritional supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

As with any medical technique, Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician. Please read Prolotherapy Risks

There is no known cure for arthritis. Prolotherapy and nutritional supplements can help alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by treating an underlying cause that contributes to degenerative disease, ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and other connective tissue can help prevent bone on bone arthritis from developing.

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