What is Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture, Symptoms and Treatment

The anterior cruciate ligament is a connective tissue that helps connect the thigh bone and shin bone. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is a condition that occurs when this connective tissue tears or ruptures. These types of injuries most commonly occur in sports activities that involve sudden stops or changes of direction, jumping, and ups and downs, such as football and basketball. The knee may feel swollen, unstable and cause severe pain to the person. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment methods include surgery for the torn ligament, post-operative rehabilitation, and physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises.

What is Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture?

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the four basic ligaments in the knee joint that has important functions in the functioning of the knee. The knee joint is located where the end of the thigh bone (femur) meets the top of the shin bone (tibia). Four main ligaments connect these two bones. The medial collateral ligament is located on the inside of the knee. It prevents the knee from bending inward. The lateral collateral ligament runs along the outside of the knee. It prevents the knee from bending outwards. The posterior cruciate ligament works together with the anterior cruciate ligament and prevents the tibia from sliding under the femur. The area where the anterior cruciate ligament is located is in the middle of the knee. Its most important function is to prevent the shin bone from sliding towards the front of the femur. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee due to excessive stretching as a result of trauma or sudden load bearing. At the time of injury, a “pop” or “cracking” sound may sometimes be heard by the person in the knee area. At the time of injury, severe pain and sudden swelling in the knee may occur within the first few hours. It is a disorder that requires urgent intervention.

What are the Causes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture?

Situations where anterior cruciate ligament rupture occurs are mostly sports activities or accidents. Ligament rupture is often accompanied by injuries to the cartilage, other knee ligaments and tissues. In a mild injury, stretching of the ligament may occur instead of rupture. Common causes of anterior cruciate ligament rupture include:

• Blows Received in Sports Competitions or Sudden Knee Movements During Competition
• Sudden Movements, Such as Quickly Stopping, Turning, or Jumping
• Situations Where the Knee Is Excessively Bent and Excessively Stressed
• Accidents and Injuries, Such as Vehicle Accidents or Falls
• Very Sudden Knee Rotation

What are the symptoms of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture?

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is a condition that causes discomfort and extreme pain in the knee area. Common symptoms include:

• Feeling or hearing a crunch in your knee
• Pain, especially when bending or rotating the knees
• Swelling, Stiffness and Bruising
• Feeling of Locking
• Strain and Movement Restriction

How is Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Diagnosed?

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is diagnosed using a series of clinical evaluations and imaging tests. The specific stages of diagnosing an anterior cruciate ligament rupture are:

• Patient History and Physical Examination: In the first stage, the patient’s symptoms, injury history and physical examination are examined. Symptoms such as swelling in the knee, bruising, and limitation of movement are evaluated.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI shows the soft tissues in the knee area in detail. This imaging test is often used if an anterior cruciate ligament rupture is suspected.
• X-rays: X-rays are often used to evaluate bone damage or fractures. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are not usually observed with an x-ray, but may be done to evaluate other potential damage.
• Ultrasonography: This test is usually used for milder injuries or to monitor treatment. However, it is not as detailed as MRI.
• Knee Joint Arthroscopy: This is an invasive method and is usually used if the results of other tests are uncertain or if it is performed for therapeutic purposes. Knee joint arthroscopy provides the opportunity to directly examine the joint by inserting a camera.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Treatment

Treatment for anterior cruciate ligament rupture may vary depending on the damage to the knee area. Surgical treatment is the primary treatment method used. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is usually treated with arthroscopic surgery. This is an intervention performed through small incisions, and the torn ligament is repaired or a new ligament is added in its place. Additionally, when the anterior cruciate ligament is completely torn, the surgeon performs reconstruction of the ligament. This procedure is performed using grafts taken from the patient’s own tissues, such as the patellar tendon or hamstring tendon. Additionally, medication may be used by the doctor to manage pain and inflammation. After surgery, physical therapy sessions such as strengthening exercises and stretching techniques are planned to increase the stability of the knee and improve muscle strength. A knee brace may be used to help the knee rest and heal from the injury. A cold compress can be applied to the knee several times a day.

What are the Types of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury?

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries can be of different types depending on the degree of injury to the ligament. Types of anterior cruciate ligament injuries include:

• Torn or Injured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (Sprain): These types of injuries occur as a result of strain on the ligament. The fibers of the ligament may be partially torn or injured. This condition can usually cause mild or moderate pain.
• Complete Rupture: It is a condition in which the fibers of the anterior cruciate ligament are completely torn. This occurs as a result of more severe trauma and is often accompanied by severe pain, swelling and a feeling of instability of the knee.
• Partial Rupture: It is a situation where the fibers of the ligament are not completely torn, but there is a partial rupture. This type of injury usually occurs when part of the ligament is damaged, and symptoms may resemble a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
• Avulsion Injuries: This type of injury is a condition that causes the anterior cruciate ligament to separate from the bone. Rupture from the bone usually occurs at the attachment points of the ligament to the bones, not the ligament itself.

How Long Does It Take to Heal from Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture?

The healing process of anterior cruciate ligament rupture may take different periods of time depending on the severity of the injury, treatment method and the patient’s health condition. A full recovery usually takes between 6 and 12 months. In cases requiring surgical intervention, the patient is expected to gradually begin to regain knee function within the first few weeks of the postoperative period. However, it may take longer for the knee to fully heal and perform its previous functions properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is a serious, sudden, traumatic and painful condition. Diagnosis and treatment require urgent intervention.

How Long Does Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Surgery Take?

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture surgery usually takes between 1 and 2 hours in non-severe cases. Surgery can provide smaller incisions and faster recovery times when performed using arthroscopic methods. However, the duration may vary depending on the condition of the injury and the damage it causes to the surrounding tissues and ligaments. Additionally, the patient’s general health condition may affect the duration of surgery. Early initiation of rehabilitation and physical therapy by the patient in the postoperative period can support a successful recovery.

Does Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Happen Again?

The likelihood of an anterior cruciate ligament rupture occurring again is low, even if surgical intervention has been performed on the knee. However, mostly athletes or people who engage in high-impact physical activities may experience repeated injuries if adequate protective measures are not taken and physical activities are not carried out in a controlled manner.

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is a serious knee injury that can cause severe damage to people. First aid should be given urgently to people experiencing ligament rupture. After the first intervention, treatment should begin in the orthopedic departments of hospitals.