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- What Is Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury?
- Causes Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury?
- Symptoms Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture?
- How Are Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Diagnosed? What Are The Procedures Performed During The Diagnosis Process?
- Treatment Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
- Healing Process After Surgical Intervention In Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
What is Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury?
Anterior cruciate ligament injury is a condition frequently encountered by athletes or active individuals regarding their knee joints. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a critical ligament that provides stability and guidance of the knee joint. This ligament extends from the inner part of the knee to the outer part and prevents the knee from being damaged during sudden stops, rapid direction changes or intense sports activities.
ACL injuries often result from traumatic events such as sudden turning, stopping, or impact that occur during sports activities. This condition is often seen in young athletes and physically active individuals.
Every case of anterior cruciate ligament injury is different, and the treatment approach depends on personal factors. MSM Clinic creates individual treatment plans, with specific focus on the patient’s age, general health, activity level, and severity of injury.
Depending on the age of the patient, surgical intervention, which is more frequently preferred in young and active individuals, aims to restore the stability of the knee in the best way possible. MSM Clinic aims to ensure that the patient has a rapid recovery process by using modern surgical techniques with its expert orthopedic surgeons and surgical team.
Causes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury?
Anterior cruciate ligament injury is usually a condition that occurs as a result of sudden and severe pressure on the knee joint. This injury can have many causes and is often associated with these factors:
- Sports Injuries: They are frequently encountered especially in sports that require fast and sudden movements such as football, basketball, skiing, snowboarding and volleyball. Situations such as turning, stopping or sudden changes in speed can stretch the anterior cruciate ligament and cause injuries. It is often injured as a result of rotational movement of the trunk while the leg is stationary.
- Traumatic Accidents: Vehicle accidents, falls, or other traumatic events can cause sudden strain on the knee and lead to anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
- Gender and Age Factors: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries can be seen more frequently in women due to anatomical differences and hormonal effects. It has also been observed that young athletes are more prone to such injuries. These anatomical differences; Malalignment may occur in the form of a low angle of the tibia joint face.
- Knee Instability: Instability in the knee joint as a result of weak muscles or previous injuries can cause further strain on the anterior cruciate ligament.
- Genetic Factors: Some individuals may genetically have greater connective tissue elasticity, which may increase susceptibility to anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
- Bad Foot Position: Bad foot position in the knee joint, especially during sports, can strain the anterior cruciate ligament and cause injuries.
Whatever the reason, anterior cruciate ligament injuries are generally considered significant conditions that require immediate attention and appropriate treatment. MSM Clinic takes a fast and effective approach to these types of injuries, ensuring patients achieve the best results.
At MSM Clinic, the diagnostic process is managed by expert orthopedic surgeons and experienced healthcare professionals. A detailed physical examination, imaging tests, and evaluation of the patient’s medical history are the basic steps used to make the correct diagnosis.
Symptoms of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture?
Anterior cruciate ligament rupture usually occurs as a result of severe trauma to the knee joint and manifests itself with some symptoms. Symptoms may differ in each individual, but some common symptoms may include:
- Pain and Swelling: Anterior cruciate ligament rupture usually causes severe pain in the knee area. Significant swelling around the knee may appear immediately after the injury or within a few hours.
- Limitation of Movement: Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament can often restrict the normal range of motion of the knee. A common symptom is that movements in the knee become more limited or painful.
- Feeling of Instability in the Knee: Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament reduces the stability of the knee. In this case, individuals often experience a feeling of instability or dislocation in their knees, resulting in a feeling of insecurity.
- Bruising and Discoloration: Bruising may occur in the knee area after injury. Color changes may occur if blood vessels are damaged or surrounding soft tissues are damaged.
- Increased Pain During Strenuous Activities: An anterior cruciate ligament injury can cause increased pain, especially during strenuous physical activities or sports. This may trigger injury symptoms.
- Tenderness in the Knee: Tenderness or sensitivity to touch in the knee area is one of the symptoms of an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
If you are experiencing symptoms of anterior cruciate ligament rupture, as MSM Clinic, we offer a fast and effective evaluation process. At MSM Clinic, expert orthopedic surgeons and experienced healthcare professionals meticulously evaluate the individual conditions of patients.
At MSM Clinic, the diagnostic process begins with a careful examination of the patient’s anamnesis. Then, the patient’s condition in the knee area is evaluated through physical examination. When necessary, a definitive diagnosis is made using advanced imaging tests, especially MRI.
How Are Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Diagnosed? What are the procedures performed during the diagnosis process?
The basic methods used in diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament injuries are:
- Patient History and Physical Examination: Our specialist doctors evaluate the patient’s previous health history and current symptoms. Next, he performs a detailed physical examination to examine symptoms such as swelling, pain and limitation of movement in the knee area.
- Lachman Test: Lachman test is a special examination method used to evaluate the stability of the anterior cruciate ligament. Our specialist doctors evaluate the strength of the ligament by bending the patient’s knee at a certain angle.
- Indications for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: Imaging tests may be required for a definitive diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament injury. These tests are often helpful in determining the severity of the injury and other potential damage.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI provides detailed imaging of tissues. It is an especially effective tool for identifying ligament injuries and other potential damage. It is used to evaluate the ligament and meniscus tissue formed together with the anterior cruciate ligament.
- CT: It is used in cases where bone pathology is considered together with the Anterior Cruciate Ligament.
- Ultrasonography: Ultrasonography can help provide detailed imaging of the soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons in the knee area. It can be used especially in milder cases.
- X-Rays: X-rays are used to determine bone damage. It is especially used to evaluate whether there are bone fractures during injury.
The diagnostic process is shaped individually, taking into account the patient’s symptoms, discomfort and other factors. A comprehensive evaluation at this stage is critical to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the serious conditions that often require treatment. Treatment options are determined depending on the severity of the injury, the patient’s general health and age. Here are some basic methods used to treat anterior cruciate ligament injuries:
Conservative Treatment:
- Conservative treatment methods can be applied in mild and moderate anterior cruciate ligament injuries. This includes rest, ice, compression, elevation, and medication. Physiotherapy may include specific exercises to increase muscle strength, restore flexibility and improve knee stability.
Surgical intervention:
- Surgical intervention may be required in severe cases of anterior cruciate ligament injuries or in cases that do not respond to conservative treatment. Surgery is generally preferred in cases where the ligament is completely ruptured or other important ligaments and tissues are damaged. Surgical options may include repairing the ligament or rebuilding it using an allograft (prepared tendon graft of human or animal origin) or autograft (tendon graft taken from the person).
Physical therapy and rehabilitation:
- After surgical intervention or during the conservative treatment process, physiotherapy plays an important role. Physiotherapists develop special exercise programs to increase the patient’s muscle strength, restore flexibility and improve the function of the injured area. The rehabilitation process supports the patient to return to normal and resume daily activities.
Orthosis and Supportive Devices:
- In some cases, special supportive devices and knee braces may be recommended to increase the stability of the knee and balance the load. This supports the healing process and can help prevent recurring injuries.
Every patient is different, so the treatment plan is customized to individual needs.
Healing Process After Surgical Intervention in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
The recovery process after surgical intervention in anterior cruciate ligament injuries begins with meticulous planning and careful rehabilitation. Since each patient has individual characteristics, the recovery process requires a personalized approach. However, it is possible to understand this process within a general framework.
- First Weeks After Surgery:
- After surgical intervention, the patient’s knee swelling and pain are usually tried to be controlled within the first few days. Only the person who had anterior cruciate ligament surgery can walk with full load with the help of crutches after surgery. A knee brace can be used for 2 weeks after surgery and the patient is provided with appropriate pain management.
- Beginning of Physiotherapy:
- In the first weeks, it is important for the patient to start physiotherapy. The physiotherapist determines special exercise programs to increase the patient’s muscle strength and range of motion. During this period, the aim is to gradually regain mobility in the knee.
- Partial Weight Bearing and Increased Movement:
- During this period, controlled movement increases and the patient’s return to normal begins.
- Strength and Flexibility Development:
- In the following weeks, the physiotherapy program focuses on increasing the patient’s muscle strength and endurance. Flexibility exercises and resistance training help increase the stability of the knee.
- Return to Functional Exercises and Activities:
- Midway through the recovery process, the patient is guided through functional exercises and return to activities of daily living. At this stage, the aim is for the patient to return to normal activities safely.
- Preparation for Sports Activities:
- After approximately 3-6 months, preparations for returning to specific sports begin. The aim is for the patient to return to sports activities safely by applying sports-specific rehabilitation programs.
- Long-Term Tracking and Support:
- Once the recovery process is over, the patient’s health status is monitored regularly. Physiotherapy and support programs can be continued with the goal of maintaining healthy long-term mobility and knee function.
The recovery process after surgical intervention is important to achieve the best results with the cooperation of the patient and the guidance of the physiotherapist.
