The cruciate ligaments are located inside the joint, stabilizing it. Damage to the ligaments is most often associated with sudden movements in the knee joint.
Causes
The causes of cruciate ligament tears are injuries – jumping from a great height onto straight legs, impact to the shin or thigh, sudden braking.
Symptoms of Cruciate Ligament Tear of the Knee Joint
The first degree of ligament damage (micro-tear) is characterized by swelling in the knee area, pain sensations, and limited mobility. The second degree has the same symptoms, but mainly consists of repeated injuries, which are characterized by loss of elasticity of the ligaments. In this case, the tear occurs from the slightest sharp load on the knee joint. The most severe - the third form - the cruciate ligaments are completely torn. The patient experiences pain, cannot bear weight on the leg, the knee area swells, the joint becomes unstable, and there is a displacement of the shin in different directions.
Diagnosis of Cruciate Ligament Tear of the Knee Joint
In Israel, an orthopedic doctor conducts an initial examination of the patient with ligament damage to the knee joint. An effective examination method prescribed by the doctor is arthroscopy, which allows viewing the joint from the inside using a special probe. An X-ray of the knee confirms the absence of fractures. Additionally, a CT or MRI may be prescribed.
Treatment of Cruciate Ligament Tear of the Knee Joint
Treatment of cruciate ligament tears in Israel is carried out through traditional and surgical methods. In the first treatment option, a puncture (removal of accumulated blood from the joint cavity), pain relief, and application of a supportive bandage during the recovery period (up to 1 month) are performed. Surgery is indicated in cases of joint instability and severe pain when bearing weight on the injured leg. The goal of the surgery is to replace the ligament. The graft material can be the patellar ligament, hamstring tendon, ligaments provided by a donor, or synthetic (the least durable). After transplantation of the knee ligament, prolonged systemic rehabilitation is required. The best way to ensure quick recovery is through regular, increasing physical loads. Physiotherapy is conducted in parallel. After cruciate ligament transplantation, active sports activities are not recommended for at least six months.
Prevention
Regular physical activity and strengthening the leg muscles are the main measures for preventing knee ligament injuries. It is also advisable to avoid injury-prone situations.