One of the most common knee injuries is the cruciate ligament tear, also known as a cruciate ligament rupture. Each knee has two cruciate ligaments, the anterior and the posterior cruciate ligament, which connect the thigh bone to the shin bone. Although both ligaments can tear, injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament are much more common.
The cruciate ligaments play a crucial role in the biomechanical function of the knee by limiting the movement of the shin bone relative to the thigh bone, thus preventing excessive forward movement and rotation. A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament often occurs during high-dynamic movements and quick directional changes, as seen in sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing. Typical symptoms of such a tear include a distinctly audible "pop" sound at the time of injury, immediate severe pain, and rapid swelling. An MRI is usually used diagnostically to determine the extent of the injury. Treatment varies depending on the severity and can range from physiotherapeutic measures to surgical interventions, where the torn ligament is replaced with a graft.
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Sports accidents are the most common cause of such a cruciate ligament tear in Düsseldorf. This can occur in isolation, but also as part of a general, extensive knee injury. Conversely, an isolated cruciate ligament tear can also partially affect surrounding tissues such as collateral ligaments or menisci.
In the case of a cruciate ligament tear, the patient feels a sharp pain shooting into the knee, and a distinct cracking sound is usually heard.
In addition to initially severe pain, swelling and bruising occur. A joint blockage as well as difficulties in extending and bending often accompany these symptoms. This leads to a certain instability of the knee joint, which increases the risk of falling.
The stabbing pain subsides after a short time and only reappears under higher stress. However, there are also cases where the pain becomes so minimal over time that an ACL tear is sometimes neglected for years. This can have long-term consequences for the knee, as it leads to degenerative changes, potentially resulting in osteoarthritis and meniscus damage. Therefore, it is important that your orthopedist in Düsseldorf can recognize and treat an ACL tear early on.
A clear diagnosis can be made through a clinical, manual examination and after an X-ray or MRI examination. Depending on the accompanying injuries, the age, and the active lifestyle of the patient, it must be decided whether conservative treatment is indicated or if surgery is required.
Initial care includes immobilization and cooling. Only after the acute phase has passed can surgical treatment be considered for suitable patients if instability persists.
In such an operation, a tendon from the back of the thigh or above the kneecap is used as a cruciate ligament replacement. This tissue material is both elastic and tear-resistant. Since it is not an open surgery but an arthroscopic operation, it is much less stressful for the patient and their body, and it also takes aesthetics into account, as only small incisions need to be made. This also offers the advantage that, unlike large wounds, bacteria and germs have less of a surface to attack.
Depending on whether the patient is an athlete or a less active person, the healing phase varies. Generally, the patient can fully bear weight after 2-3 weeks. Light sports can typically be started after 8-12 weeks. However, contact sports should not be resumed until at least 6 months later. This should ideally be discussed individually with the doctor in each case.
In any case, a rehabilitation program follows an ACL tear, during which strength and coordination exercises are performed. Through the active participation of the patient, stabilization of the knee joint can be achieved.
In our practice, we specialize in this area and perform both conservative and surgical treatments. If you have recently had an accident and suspect an ACL tear, we are happy to help you with targeted and comprehensive treatment to become pain-free as soon as possible.
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