Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Symptoms and Management
The anterior cruciate ligament is well known in the sports world due to the injuries that occur in athletes such as soccer players. This ligament is located in the middle part of the knee and connects the femur to the tibia, preventing it from shifting outward in front of the femur, participating in almost all knee stability positions.
The tearing or rupture of this ligament occurs for multiple reasons, such as landing on one foot, jumping, stopping suddenly while running, changing direction abruptly, or in some cases, a blow to the knee with the foot planted on the ground. When this happens, the ligament tears or breaks, producing what we call an “Anterior Drawer Phenomenon” because the tibia shifts forward.
Symptoms:
When the anterior cruciate ligament breaks, a popping sound may be heard or a popping sensation felt in the knee. Immediately after it happens, intense pain appears along with the inability to stand or continue the activity being performed. The knee tends to swell rapidly, and the range of motion is limited. It is important not to bear weight on the leg until evaluated by a specialist doctor.
Management:
There are two types of management for this injury: the first for athletes, in which early surgery is chosen to start a rehabilitation process as soon as possible. The second, for non-athletes, where “knee cooling” is preferred, meaning that it no longer presents inflammation or effusions.
In both cases, arthroscopy is used, in which we replace the injured anterior cruciate ligament with a tendon, preferably an autograft. The main objective of this surgery is to restore stability to the knee to return to previous activities and, above all, to avoid early joint degeneration or premature Osteoarthritis.
There is also a non-surgical option; with excellent rehabilitation and muscle strengthening, a comfortable life can be achieved. This option is suitable for people who do not practice any sport regularly, have a rather sedentary lifestyle, or have underlying medical conditions that put their life at risk with surgery. Each option depends on the doctor, prognosis, clinical history, and the patient's wishes; if they feel significant instability in their daily life and when performing everyday activities, intervention is likely best.
