Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament: Diagnosis & treatment
Cruciate ligaments and meniscus ensure mobility and stability in the knee joint and prevent knee arthrosis.
Cruciate ligament rupture
Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (knee injuries)
If the cruciate ligament is torn due to an accident, the knee becomes unstable, so that the tibial head can slide forward or backward in relation to the femur, like a drawer. The knee swells due to the rupture of the cruciate ligament and subsequent bleeding. A medical examination is strongly recommended.
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Injuries to the cruciate ligament and knee
The knee joint is our largest joint and is exposed to many stresses and strains in everyday life. The knee joint, the cruciate ligaments and the meniscus are particularly at risk from unnatural, high rotational loads.
Almost 1/3 of all sports injuries affect the knee joint. Sports such as football, rugby, soccer, handball, skiing and tennis or squash, in which the knee is rotated under stress, are particularly risky. The knee joint, the joint cartilage, the cruciate ligaments or the meniscus can be injured.
Complex knee joint injuries often lead to combined damage to the cruciate ligaments, meniscus and joint cartilage up to knee arthrosis.
The outer and inner cruciate ligaments and the meniscus ensure the mobility and stability of healthy knee joints.
Cruciate ligament and cruciate ligament injury
The outer (anterior) and inner (posterior) cruciate ligament are located (crossed) centrally in the knee. The cruciate ligaments guide the joint during roll-sliding, flexion and extension. Together with the collateral ligaments and the meniscus, they are the stabilizers of the knee joint.
In combination with the specially shaped joint bodies and the menisci, they give the knee joint guidance in any position and protect the joint cartilage from wear and tear and knee arthrosis.
Cruciate ligament rupture
The torn cruciate ligament is one of the most serious knee injuries. Affected patients often have to refrain from sports activities for long periods of time.
The cause of cruciate ligament rupture is often a sudden stop or an atypical change of direction, where the knee is twisted with the lower leg fixed. Skiers and ball sportsmen are the most frequently affected by torn cruciate ligament.
Diagnosis and therapy
The diagnosis of a cruciate ligament injury is based on a joint examination. If necessary, imaging x-rays and a knee endoscopy (arthroscopy) complete the examination of a knee injury.
Injuries to the inner ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament occur most frequently.
The torn inner ligament (posterior cruciate ligament) can be treated conservatively (without surgery) by wearing a stabilizing mobility splint for a few weeks to allow the ligament to heal.
The outer ligament (anterior cruciate ligament) is the most frequently operated ligament on the knee joint. If the anterior cruciate ligament tears, the lower leg moves forward unnaturally. The other ligaments and muscles around the knee can only partially assume the stabilizing function of the torn outer ligament.
Operation for cruciate ligament rupture
A torn cruciate ligament must be operated on because it cannot heal on its own, the loose knee joint causes further injuries to the meniscus and the additional load in the long term leads to premature wear and tear of the joint and to knee arthrosis.
During surgery of the cruciate ligament, the torn ligament parts are completely removed and replaced by a transplant (piece of the patella tendon).
The cruciate ligament operation is carried out on an inpatient basis, under anaesthetic, arthroscopically minimally invasive.
Conservative and surgical knee therapies
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Sport accident knee
Injuries to the knee often occur during sport, as it is subject to high stress and is also very susceptible to injury. A sudden change of direction, an unfortunate fall or an overload can lead to torn ligaments, meniscus damage or strains.
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Conservative knee therapy
Conservative knee therapy comprises non-surgical measures for the treatment of knee problems. The aim is to relieve pain, improve mobility and maintain or restore knee function.
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Torn meniscus
A tear can be caused by sudden twisting movements, sports injuries or age-related wear and tear. Typical symptoms are pain, swelling, restricted movement or "jamming" in the knee.
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Patella
The kneecap (patella) is a small, flat, triangular bone on the front of the knee. It sits in the tendon of the thigh muscle and protects the knee joint. At the same time, it improves the leverage of the thigh muscle, which is important for extending the leg.
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Cruciate ligament rupture
A cruciate ligament rupture is a common injury in the knee joint in which one of the two cruciate ligaments - usually the anterior one - tears partially or completely. These ligaments stabilize the knee and prevent excessive movement of the tibia in relation to the thigh.
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Knee arthrosis (gonarthrosis)
Knee osteoarthritis, also known as gonarthrosis, is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage in the knee joint slowly breaks down. As a result, the bones in the joint increasingly rub directly against each other, which can cause pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
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Knee prosthesis for knee osteoarthritis
If conservative treatment methods such as physiotherapy, painkillers or injections no longer provide sufficient relief, a knee prosthesis can be an effective solution for advanced knee osteoarthritis.