Ruptures of the ligaments of the knee

Ligaments are essential tissues in the human body that connect bones to one another, provide mobility, fixation and support for joints. If the fall is unsuccessful, they may stretch. In this case, complete breaks of the ligaments or a slight tear of the fibers are observed. Injuries of this type are most often experienced by people involved in extreme sports. How do ligament tears manifest themselves?

If the ligamentous apparatus is damaged, the following symptoms can be observed:

• sharp pain extending to the knee;
• muffled cracking when injured;
• swelling of the damaged area and an increase in the size of the joint;
• restriction of movement of the knee joint, or, conversely, its "looseness";
• sensation of dislocation of the lower leg to the side or forward;
• when walking, the victim cannot rely on a sore leg;
• when movements appear uncharacteristic crunches and clicks in the knee;
• bruising may occur some time after injury;
• when pressed on the knee pad, its excessive mobility is visible.

Rupture of the knee ligaments: causes

The main factor in the appearance of this pathology is the movement of the knee, which cause its tension. As a rule, this happens during fast runs, during jumps, during sudden stops, change of direction, etc.

Ruptures of the ligaments of the knee joint: types

The types of this pathology depend on which ligaments underwent destruction.

1. Rupture of the lateral ligament. It is divided into damage to the external and internal tissues. As a rule, it occurs when the legs are twisted and when struck under the knee from the side. Very often, this pathology is associated with damage to the joint capsule and meniscus.
2. Rupture of the cruciate ligament. Also subdivided into damage to the anterior and posterior tissues. The first cause of injury is an unsuccessful landing after a jump, etc. The rupture of the posterior ligament most often occurs when hitting the knee or when falling on it.

Diagnostics

When injuring the knee joint for making a diagnosis such as torn ligaments, a visual examination of the victim is carried out and an additional examination is prescribed by methods that accurately show the type of tissue damage. It can be:

• Ultrasound
• radiography;
• Magnetic resonance imaging.

Ligament Rupture Treatment

When clarifying the diagnosis and assessing the general state of health, the victim must perform the following procedures:

• Apply cold compresses to the sore spot. It is advisable to do this as soon as an injury has been received. As a result of this, vasoconstriction will occur, hemorrhage and swelling in the tissues will be insignificant.
• Apply bandages, dressings and bandages. This will prevent the appearance of edema and limit the movement of the joint.
• The damaged leg must be kept in an elevated position, which will lead to obstruction of blood flow to the gap and reduce swelling.
• To reduce pain, various creams, ointments, and other drugs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are prescribed.
• It is necessary to perform physical exercises daily.
• To relieve pain and swelling, massage of injured tissues is also performed.

With a complete rupture of ligaments, they resort to surgery.