Cruciate Ligament Tear

To form the knee joint three bones are involved. The femur, tibia, and patella. The latter is located in the anterior part of the joint, and with the patellar tendon participates in the extensor mechanism of the knee. These bones are connected to each other by ligaments. There are 4 main ligaments in the human knee. They act like strong straps (ropes) that keep the bones in contact with each other and the knee stable. The lateral ligaments and the cruciate ligaments.

The cruciates are 2 links in a cruciform arrangement: the Anterior Cruciate Link and the Posterior Cruciate Link. These ligaments are crucial for bending the knee and stabilizing it from anterior-posterior forces. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterior Cruciate Ligament also connect the femur to the tibia at the knee joint.

The Lateral ligaments bare cast on the lateral surfaces of the knee. The medial collateral ligament is located on the medial part of the knee (medial side) and the lateral collateral ligament on the lateral side of the knee. They control the lateral movements of the joint and protect it against extreme, abnormal movements.

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is a condition that occurs mainly in athletesor people who are active and can be easily caused by even a small movement of the knee, especially when there is a sudden change of direction in the direction of the athlete, which puts a lot of stress on the cruciate ligament. A rupture of the cruciate ligament is a violent interruption of the continuity of the ligament, most often due to a sharp turn of the knee, in which case the ligament is cut. This, apart from causing immediate knee instability, can lead to more damage, e.g. meniscus tear, chondropathy and knee arthritis.

Ruptured posterior cruciate ligament is not as common as other knee injuries. They are more difficult to diagnose and are often accompanied by injuries to other parts of the knee. There are three degrees of injury according to the severity of the injury. Most isolated injuries are grade 1. Grade 3 injuries are associated with damage to the posterior angle and are much more severe. Such injuries usually result in knee instability and should be evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon with knee expertise. Ruptures of the posterior cruciate ligament are usually not complete and in most cases heal with appropriate medical and physiotherapy treatment.

In the majority of cases, and especially in total rupture, the patient feels:

• Direct pain deep in the knee.

• Swelling and stiffness in movements that he could do every day. Within 24 hours the knee swells.

• Unsteadiness in walking.

Of course, each athlete experiences the injury differently, depending on the size of the tear. Diagnosis of a torn ACL is initially made by clinical examination where the orthopaedic surgeon can identify whether it is an anterior cruciate ligament tear or a posterior cruciate ligament tear. It is important to accurately identify the damage and whether further injury has occurred to ligaments of the knee joint, such as the lateral or meniscus ligaments. MRI will confirm the injury and the exact degree of damage.

The treatment for a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) varies depending on the degree of injury. Patients with first and second degree ACL tears can be treated without surgery, with immobilisation, medication and appropriate physiotherapy.

Total cruciate ligament rupture requires surgery, which is done arthroscopically. It involves replacing the severed ends of the cruciate ligament with autologous or, more rarely, an artificial graft. This ensures optimal rehabilitation. However, it is necessary to refrain from sporting activities for a longer period of time.

A ruptured cruciate ligament is a very serious injury, but it requires patience and perseverance in its treatment. Prompt and diligent treatment guarantees that the burden of the injury will not shift to the other leg. It requires proper rest, proper exercise and your proper cooperation with both the orthopedic surgeon and the physical therapist! This will ensure a recovery without complications!

Total cruciate ligament rupture requires surgery, which is done arthroscopically.