Cruciate ligament

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament most often occurs during sports in a situation where the lower leg is fixed in relation to the thigh bone and the body is subjected to a twisting movement

What is a cruciate ligament?

An anterior cruciate ligament injury is a relatively common acute knee injury.

There are two cruciate ligaments in the knee, an anterior and a posterior cruciate ligament. Together with the meniscus, the collateral ligaments and muscles, these help to ensure stability in the knee.

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament most often occurs during sports in a situation where the lower leg is fixed in relation to the thigh bone and the body is subjected to a twisting movement.

The injury may be accompanied by an audible or palpable snap followed by pain, and the knee will swell significantly due to bleeding from the cruciate ligament. Later, when the swelling and pain have subsided, you feel that the leg gives way or is unstable. You have a sensation of lack of control of the lower leg, and it will therefore be difficult to engage in contact sports.

Symptoms of cruciate ligament injury

The injury may be accompanied by an audible or palpable snap followed by pain, and the knee will swell significantly due to bleeding from the cruciate ligament. Later, when the swelling and pain have subsided, you feel that the leg gives way or is unstable. You have a sensation of lack of control of the lower leg, and it will therefore be difficult to engage in contact sports.

How is the examination performed?

Through a clinical examination of the knee and your medical history, the orthopaedic surgeon can make the diagnosis with relative certainty, but it will often be necessary to perform an ultrasound scan and/or MRI scan.

Treatment of cruciate ligament injuries

The laxity in the knee joint can in some cases be compensated for by good or improved muscle function; you will be instructed by a physiotherapist, so an operation is not always necessary. It is important to determine what need you have for an operation. This is very dependent on your activity level, job, age, laxity and the extent of discomfort you experience in daily life and during sports activity.

If there is significant laxity in the knee joint, it can as a rule be improved with a reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, although it is not possible to recreate a normal cruciate ligament. Reconstruction of the cruciate ligament is performed by arthroscopic surgery.

Patients with a high activity level and a desire to return to football, handball or other contact sports will often have their cruciate ligament reconstructed.

The consultant will inform you thoroughly about the treatment options.