The anterior cruciate ligament located in the knee joint is frequently ruptured or injured as a result of sports activities. It is located in the anterior part of the knee structure. It stands crossways and creates the necessary structural connection. However, in some patients, various orthopedic problems such as slipping and rotation of the knee occur.
What is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament?
The knee structure consists of three separate parts called the femur, tibia and patella. It means thigh, shin and kneecap, respectively. These three bone structures should have a functional and orthopedically healthy connective tissue. The anterior cruciate ligament helps the knee joint move forward or backward without any slippage.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Causes
Anterior cruciate ligament injuries, which greatly restrict the movements of the knee structure, are usually caused by activities such as skiing and sports. It occurs with some effects after a strike or a sudden action. Patients state that they hear a sound similar to pressing into the space and tearing a muscle.
The causes of cruciate ligament injury or orthopedic disorders on the knee joint are as follows;
As a result of rapid changes in direction and slowing down, the ligaments in the knee structure can be damaged
People may not be able to maintain their balance after jumping and similar movements.
A sudden cessation of walking
The structures in the knee joint are damaged due to sudden turns.
Direct impact of the knee area due to various activities
Preferring devices that are not recommended for activities such as sports and skiing.
While playing football, some knee injuries may occur due to the material used on the ground. Unwanted turns as a result of crampons being attached to artificial grass adversely affect knee health.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Treatment
It is very important for the patient who comes with complaints targeting his orthopedic health to get the correct diagnosis. The age of the person and the sports activities, if any, are learned. In addition, other problems such as anterior cruciate ligament in the knee joint and meniscus tear are examined. During the physical examination, it is checked whether there is a significant loosening in the knee area.
Arthroscopic, that is, closed surgical method is used. However, apart from these cases, the patient is treated without anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Non-surgical treatment methods are as follows;
Some patients are advised to rest at home to allow the knee joint to heal. It helps to reduce swelling and pain in initial levels.
Ice therapy can be applied to the traumatic area for up to twenty minutes a day. It contributes to the healing of tissue damage.
The specialist doctor can reduce the pain in the knee area with bandage treatment when necessary.
Keeping the knee joint high above is used as part of the treatment plan. It is recommended to remove the tissue damaged area to the level of the heart by using products such as pillows.
Special exercises are planned for the patient with physical therapy, which is also used after some surgical interventions. With the planning of the physiotherapist, it is aimed to restore the functioning of the knee.
ORTHOPEDICS AND TRAUMATOLOGY SPECIALIST
prof. dr. hasan hilmi muratlı