Torn ligament on the knee

Torn ligament on the knee: Description

A ligament tear on the knee is the result of excessive loading of one or more ligaments in the area of ​​the knee joint. With slight overloading, it comes first to an expansion and then also strain of the band in question. If the force is stronger the tape tears – either partially or completely. The stability and functionality of the knee joint are thereby significantly impaired.

The main ligaments on the knee

The knee joint is the largest joint of the human body and has a complex ligamentous apparatus. Particularly important are the following four band structures: the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments as well as the inner band and the outer band. If the ligament tears on the knee, one or more of these ligaments will be injured. In addition, other structures in the knee may be injured (such as a meniscus).

Outside ligament

An outer ligament tear (knee) is rare. Only about eight percent of all knee injuries affect the outer band. Even rarer is only the tear of the posterior cruciate ligament. Almost half of all cases of external ligament tear (knee) need surgery. This is because in most cases, even more knee structures are injured.

Anterior and posterior cruciate ligament tear

Everything important about a cruciate ligament rupture read in the article cruciate ligament tear.

Interior ligament

Learn more about a rupture of the lateral inner band at the knee in the article Innenbandriss.

Torn ligament on the knee: symptoms

Typical symptoms of a ligament tear on the knee are pain, swelling and bruising. Some knee movements are hardly or not possible due to pain and swelling. If the patient feels that certain movement of the knee is blocked in certain directions, a meniscus may be involved. In addition, the injured knee can often buckle when walking.

The location of the pain is often an indication of which band is injured. In an external ligament tear (knee), the pain especially on the outside-back of the knee.

Cruciate Ligament Tear: Symptoms

Which symptoms cause a cruciate ligament rupture, read in the article cruciate ligament tear: Symptoms.

Ligament tear at the knee: causes and risk factors

The most common cause of ligament tear on the knee is a sports injury. But accidents (traffic accidents) and falls can also lead to torn ligaments in the knee. Risk factors for knee injuries are female gender, highly competitive sports and contact sports. Misundered twisting and jumping movements often result in knee injuries. Earlier knee damage increases the risk of knee injury again.

Ligament tear on the knee: examinations and diagnosis

Specialists in ligament tears on the knee are orthopedists, accident surgeons and sports physicians. First, the doctor, in consultation with the patient, will seek information that is important for the diagnosis. For example, he asks the following questions:

• How did the accident end?
• At what point do you have pain?
• Are certain movements painful or difficult?
• Have you had knee injuries before?
• Is your knee under special stress?
• Do you have pre-existing conditions?

After the conversation, the doctor will carefully examine the patient’s injured knee. He carefully scans it (especially in the page comparison), pay attention to malpositions, swelling, bruising and pressure pain. This often provides important evidence of ligament tear on the knee. Thus, people with an outer ligament tear especially report pressure pain along the outer line of the knee joint.

In addition, the doctor checks blood circulation, motor function and sensitivity of the knee and assesses the gait pattern (if walking is possible).

Various tests (such as Lachman, drawer test, etc.) can also provide information about what type of ligament tear is present at the knee, so if, for example, one of the cruciate ligaments or the inner or outer ligament is injured.

imaging

If diagnosis of torn knee ligaments is not certain or if accompanying injuries are suspected, imaging may help.

On an x-ray, for example, bony injuries can be recognized (such as bony torn ligaments). The ligament tear on the knee itself is not visible on it. An indirect indication of this, however, can be provided by a so-called stress image: the knee is held in a specific position during x-raying. This can give indirect indications of band injuries.

The ligament tear on the knee can be directly visualized using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, like other imaging techniques (eg computed tomography), this examination is only used in certain cases.

Torn ligament on the knee: treatment

In principle, a ligament tear at the knee provides conservative and surgical therapy. Which therapy makes the most sense in an individual case depends, among other things, on the type and severity of the injury. Aims of the treatment are pain control, support of the healing process, prevention of a new torn ligament as well as the prevention of long-term consequences.

acute treatment

The acute treatment in case of suspected ligament tear on the knee is done according to the PECH rule: break, ice, compression, high-altitude (if possible above heart level). To avoid hypothermia, keep an ice pack on the knee for no longer than 15 to 20 minutes without interruption. For pain control usually the usual painkillers, which are not prescription (like ibuprofen) are sufficient.

Conservative therapy

Conservative measures are often sufficient for further treatment of a ligament tear at the knee. First, the injured knee is often sedated for some time in a brace (orthosis). As soon as possible, however, a movement therapy (physiotherapy) will be started. Among other things, it is about strengthening the muscles on the knee, so that they can support and stabilize the joint additionally.

Operative treatment

Surgery is especially necessary in severe cases of ligament tear on the knee, and if other structures in the knee are injured besides the torn ligament. There are various surgical techniques that are individually selected.

Cruciate ligament tear: Op

More detailed information on the surgical treatment of a cruciate ligament rupture can be found in the article Cruciate ligament tear: Op.

Torn ligament on the knee: Disease course and prognosis

When the knee after a torn ligament athletic again completely loaded, depends on the individual therapy. Important criteria for entering the sport include pain, range of motion and strength. In an inner ligament tear (knee) you can usually do sports after a few weeks again to the full extent. A cruciate ligament rupture, however, should be paused a little longer. With a slight outer ligament tear, the sport can often be started again after one month. For higher grade ruptures you should wait longer.

The use of joint-stabilizing bandages, bandages or tapes during exercise can prevent knee injuries. After a ligament tear on the knee there is an increased risk of another injury in the same area. Therefore, one should also regularly train the muscles on the knee.

Untreated and overlooked injuries can cause long-term damage. Even with a delayed start of treatment threaten long-term consequences such as joint instability and persistent pain. The forecast for one Torn ligament on the knee but is good in most cases.