Cruciate ligament: types, symptoms of injury and treatment methods
Symptoms of cruciate ligament injury
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to the knee is common, especially among athletes, and can cause multiple symptoms including:
- acute pain
- "pop" or "crackling" sound
- Swollen knee
- Knee instability
- Loss of range of motion
- Feeling of imbalance
- Anterior muscle bulging
- Difficulty walking or getting pregnant
When these symptoms appear, it is advisable to stop any physical activity and consult a specialist doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, as a cruciate ligament injury needs immediate care and may require surgical treatment or an intensive rehabilitation program.
Diagnosis of cruciate ligament injury:
X-ray
Magnetic resonance imaging
Ultrasound waves (ultrasound)
Degrees of cruciate ligament injury:
A cruciate ligament injury is usually caused by excessive force or a severe knee injury. They may occur during vigorous sports that require a rapid change of direction, such as football, basketball, mountain biking, or as a result of falls or other sporting accidents.
Where the degrees of infection are:
Grade I: Minor damage to the cruciate ligament occurs as a result of sprain, however at this stage the ligament is able to control the stability of the knee.
Second degree: in which the ligament extends until it is removed from the knee, and this is called a partial cut in the cruciate ligament.
Third degree: This degree can be considered the highest stage of cruciate ligament injury, in which the ligament is completely torn and split in half, and thus the knee joint loses its stability permanently.
Treatment of cruciate ligament rupture may require surgery to reconstruct the torn ligament and restore knee stability. After surgery, the patient should follow a comprehensive physiotherapy program to strengthen the muscles around the knee and restore normal mobility and function of the knee.
The difference between cruciate ligament cut and rupture:
Technically, the terms "cruciate ligament tear" and "cruciate ligament rupture" are used interchangeably and refer to the same condition. They indicate a rupture of one of the cruciate ligaments in the knee. When the ligament is severely injured or overstrained, it can tear or break completely, thus becoming unable to perform its normal function.
Some people may use the term "cruciate ligament tear" to refer to a complete ligament tear, while they use the term "cruciate ligament tear" to refer to a partial tear. However, in professional medical work, the two terms are reciprocal and used interchangeably.
In general, both "cut" and "tear" of the cruciate ligament indicate a ligament tear in the knee, which is considered a serious injury that needs medical evaluation and treatment.
Treatment of cruciate ligament cut and tear:
Non-surgical treatment:
Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve balance and flexibility, this may help restore strength and stability in the knee.
Rehabilitation exercises: The rehabilitation program is used to restore normal movement of the knee and improve muscle strength and joint stability.
Wearing supportive braces: Supportive devices such as knee ligaments can be used to provide support and stability while moving.
Surgical treatment:
Cruciate ligament reconstruction: A torn ligament is replaced by an artificial ligament or crucible of body tissue, and is held in its original place.
Histular surgery: In some cases, surgery may be performed to repair other tissues in the affected knee such as cartilage or collateral ligaments.
After surgical treatment, rehabilitation therapy will be vital for full recovery. Follow the rehabilitation program under the guidance of a physician and physiotherapist to restore mobility, strength and knee stability.
