Cruciate ligament-preserving surgeries

In selected cases, cruciate ligament-preserving surgery can also be performed. This can be done either according to the soft tissue technique according to Steadman or according to the modern procedure of internal bracing. As part of surgical treatment, it must be decided on a case-by-case basis during the arthroscopy whether one of these two methods seems sensible or whether a cruciate ligament plasty in the classic sense must be performed.

In this case, a strong thread is inserted to support the damaged ligament through the torn cruciate ligament in order to reinsulate the cruciate ligament stump to the point of avulsion. The reinforcing ligament takes over the function of the cruciate ligament, which can stabilize in the meantime.

One of the great advantages of the new procedure is that the cruciate ligament remains in its original position on the bone or it is anchored again exactly at its attachment point, this is referred to as an anatomical reconstruction.

As a result, nerve innervation is preserved (proprioritization), which is lost in classic cruciate ligament surgery.