About this disease
What it is about
The posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments are important stabilizers in our knee joints. Sports injuries often result in a tear of the anterior ligament. Both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments can tear. However, the anterior cruciate ligament is clearly more commonly affected. It can tear in its middle or at the bony attachment. Often, a cruciate ligament tear occurs together with a collateral ligament or meniscus injury.
Symptoms and consequences
The main symptoms include pain, fluid in the joint (joint effusion), restricted movement and instability.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
If a cruciate ligament injury is suspected after the examination, clarification by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of cruciate ligament tear, the involvement of collateral ligaments, menisci and/or bones, as well as the patient's sporting activity and age. Many isolated cruciate ligament tears can be treated conservatively with a special knee brace and physical therapy with good functional results. Replacement of the cruciate ligament with the patient's own tendons (cruciate ligament replacement surgery) offers the possibility of primary stabilization. In certain cases, the cruciate ligament can be sutured within three weeks from injury.