Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament

Description of the anterior cruciate ligament rupture

The injury of the anterior cruciate ligament rupture is manifested in the form of PKC. Anterior cruciate ligament is located in the middle of the knee joint and connects shin bone to the thigh bone. It supports the knee joint, preventing too much forward displacement of the tibia.

Causes of anterior cruciate ligament rupture

Most ACL tears occur during non-contact injuries, such as:

• Sharp turns;
• Landing on a straight leg;
• Sudden cardiac motion.

Anterior cruciate ligament may also be injured from a direct blow to the knee.

Risk factors

Factors, which increase the likelihood of injury of the anterior cruciate ligament:

• Paul: female;
• Muscle imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings (weak thigh);
• Weak quadriceps and hamstrings;
• Athletics, that require sudden changes of direction and stops (eg, football, skiing, basketball);
• Improper technique of strokes, turns, jumps.

Symptoms of rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament

When you break the PCB can hear a click. Knee, probably, shift, and it will be difficult to walk on the injured leg. Appears, usually moderate pain and swelling of the knee joint, Although in the first few hours, it may be discreetly. Pain increases during the first two days, and then begins to weaken.

Diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament rupture

Diagnosis includes a physical exam. Also can be assigned to the following tests:

• МРТ – тест, which uses magnetic waves, to see the structures inside the knee joint;
• Артроскопия – тонкие, lighted tube inserted through a small incision in the knee, to look at the structures inside the knee.

Treatment of anterior cruciate ligament rupture

Treatment consists of the following steps:

Bandage knee

For the healing of fragmentation PCB should wear knee, holding the knee joint in the correct position. The bandage may also be necessary, when returning to sport. He also needed after surgery for ligament reconstruction.

Surgical intervention

Surgery may be needed, to fully restore the functionality of the knee. The decision on the transaction shall be taken after consideration of all factors, likely to affect the outcome of the.

Physiotherapy

As healing knee ligament need to slowly stretch the knee joint with the help of special exercises. Необходимо также выполнять укрепляющие упражнения – из-за их отсутствия, the affected leg muscles will atrophy (reduced) and expire. Therapy helps to restore muscle strength hip, especially the quadriceps (quadriceps) and hamstrings.

Prevention

Anterior cruciate ligament ruptures often occur due to non-contact wounds. Caution must be exercised when performing various movements:

• When jumping, landings, sharp bends hips and knees should be bent, not straightened;
• Before playing sports is necessary to stretch the knee joint special exercises;
• Plyometric exercises will help strengthen the muscles of the legs when jumping and landing;
• It is necessary to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings, and they regularly stretch.