Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Cruciate ligament rupture usually occurs in the context of accidents, often sports accidents involving soccer or skiing.
The typical mechanism for a posterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture (tear) is “dashboard injury,” which is when the lower leg hits the dashboard of a car, such as in a traffic accident. Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is more commonly due to sports accidents or falls.
Etiology (causes)
Behavioral causes
- Physical activity
- Sports that put a strain on the knees, such as soccer, handball, basketball, field hockey, or skiing
Disease-related causes
Injuries, poisonings and other consequences of external causes (S00-T98).
- Anterior cruciate ligament rupture – rotational trauma (injury caused by rotational motion) to the slightly bent knee.
- Posterior cruciate ligament rupture – after direct displacement mechanism of the tibia to the dorsal (back).