Cruciate ligament surgery

The anterior cruciate ligament is the most stressed ligament in the knee joint – it provides stability and fulfils sensory tasks.

In the knee joint, the collateral ligaments and the two cruciate ligaments, among other things, ensure the stability of the joint with every movement. The anterior cruciate ligament, which connects the femur to the tibia, is the most important and most stressed ligament in the knee joint. The ligament prevents the tibia from sliding forward from the thigh bone and, in conjunction with the other ligaments, restricts the rotation of the knee joint.

The cruciate ligament rupture

One of the most common injuries during sports activities, which can happen mainly due to abrupt braking or when jumping. The most common occurrence of accidents is a bent position of the knee joint with simultaneous rotational movement. The cruciate ligament is particularly at risk when skiing, but also during stop-and-go sports such as tennis, handball or football.

Through a quick clarification by means of clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clarity about the extent of the injury can be established on the same day and the various treatment options can be discussed with the patient.

Therapeutic

If the anterior cruciate ligament is injured, subsequent therapy depends on the extent to which it is torn and where it is torn. If the tear is located on the shinbone, a piece of the bone is almost always torn out as well. In this case, the ligament can be reattached with the bone.

If the tear is located in the course of the ligament, cruciate ligament replacement surgery is required. However, if the tear site is close to the thigh bone, a cruciate ligament-preserving operation can be performed.