Therapy of a torn ligament
Therapy for torn ligaments in the knee depends on the extent, the affected ligament and the possible injury to other structures.Thus the outer ligaments can usually be treated conservatively. It is also important to know whether there is only a partial tear, since the therapy may be approached conservatively in this case. A complete cruciate ligament rupture must be repaired with surgery.
Therefore the following classification for a torn ligament has been established: Grade 1 describes a partial tear without instability in the joint, grade 2 is instability. A complete torn ligament is classified as grade 3. The main characteristic of a conservatively performed therapy is the immobilization and protection of the joint.
Conservative therapy is indicated for grades 1, 2 and usually also 3 on the outer and inner ligament. Even slight injuries or partial tears of the cruciate ligament in young people can be treated conservatively. With the help of a movable splint, the movement in the knee can be limited so that no stretching of the ligaments occurs and the torn ligament can heal.
One speaks of an orthosis. Forearm crutches are used to ensure movement without stress in the knee. In this way, one builds on the self-healing powers of the body, which takes some time.
Conservatively, the healing process therefore takes several weeks. During the conservative therapy, painkilling and anti-inflammatory medications are given. A complete torn ligament, injuries of menisci or bony structures and possibly reasons given by the patient speak against a conservatively conducted therapy.
For example, conservative therapy may not be sufficient for some patients, because they want to put weight on the knee again more quickly or are professionally dependent on it. An important influence on healing – after primary protection – is the performance of physiotherapy. Therefore we recommend our site to you:
- Exercises inner- and outer ligament injuries
- Exercises in case of a rupture/extension of the ligament
The therapy by means of surgery is in most cases reserved for a torn cruciate ligament.
Surgery for torn ligaments is recommended in cases of severe injuries. Here, the ligaments and structures involved are repaired directly. With invasive therapy, there is a choice between open surgery and surgery under endoscopic view in the context of arthroscopy.
Here, a camera and instruments are inserted into the knee through tiny incisions, so that damage can be treated in a minimally invasive manner. One method of repairing a torn cruciate ligament is suturing. In most cases, however, the torn ligament is replaced with new material.
Foreign material can be used for this purpose, but the standard procedure is to use the body’s own material. For example, a piece of the patella tendon at the kneecap is removed and inserted into the knee as a cruciate ligament. Damage to the meniscus or bones can also be treated during this operation if they were also damaged when the ligament was torn.
In most cases, this form of therapy brings good results, and of course, subsequent treatment is necessary, during which the knee is slowly regained its load and the surrounding muscles are strengthened. In the case of a torn ligament, the appropriate follow-up treatment is of particular importance. We recommend our page on: Aftercare of a ruptured cruciate ligament The performance of physiotherapy has an important influence on the healing process.
