The anterior cruciate ligament can suffer injuries when the knee joint is pushed back, twisted or pushed from side to side, the chances of injury increasing significantly when, several of the movements listed above occur simultaneously. Also, direct contact on the knee or sudden change of direction or landing in case of a jump can predispose to injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, most often this happening on the sports field or skiing.

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the two ligaments that pass through the middle of the knee and connect the femur with the tibia, thus participating in the stabilization of the knee joint during swivel movements and preventing the movement of the anterior tibia in relation to the femur.

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament can range from small ruptures to severe rupture (interruption of its continuity).

Without proper treatment, the injured ligament cannot control the movement of the knee and the bones risk to touch / rub against each other. Abnormal movement can also damage the tissue or cartilage that covers the bone ends, thus reaching osteoarthritis. Also, other ligaments or components of the knee can be compromised as a result of the anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Following the sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament (knee sprain) or its rupture, the knee will swell and become rigid, the flexion-extension movement becoming impossible to do, and walking will be done with difficulty.

For a correct diagnosis it is necessary to perform an MRI examination.

The therapeutic approach, ligament reconstruction surgery or conservative treatment (without surgery), will take into account several factors, such as: age, level of physical activity, associated injuries and the condition of the joint. Another important factor in determining the right treatment is the time elapsed between the moment of trauma and the visit to the doctor.

If there is a deficit of joint mobility (the knee does not stretch and does not bend completely), the conservative treatment is started, consisting of:

1. Locally applied ice, in sessions of 5-10 minutes 3-5 times a day, helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the knee

2. Raising the foot on a support, above the level of the heart, helps both with the return circulation, as well as with the rest of the affected leg. For the restoration of the injured ligament, rest and lack of loading weight on the affected leg are absolutely necessary.

3. Anti-inflammatory drugs, which help reduce pain and inflammation, but are indicated for periods of time that do not exceed 2 weeks.

4. Compression bandages provide support to the knee and also help reduce swelling.

5. Physical therapy, through specific exercise programs, aiming at:

• recovering normal functionality
• toning the stabilizing muscles of the knee
• reducing inflammation

6. Crutches will be used when walking to prevent loading (supporting body weight) on the affected leg. In case the torn ligament mechanically blocks the joint, surgery is required, arthroscopy, which will be performed when the patient has full mobility in the knee articulation.

After surgery, it is absolutely necessary to start a postoperative recovery program, aiming at increasing the stability and functionality of the knee joint.

✓ After an acute injury of the anterior cruciate ligament, part of the previous activities will be difficult to perform, but walking will be resumed

✓ Most of the time, injuries occur after the age of 40

✓ Stretching has an essential role in preventing injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, when it is done before intense physical activities

✓ Make sure the knee is stable and strong enough to cope with daily and sports activities.