Cross ligament on knees

• April 20, 2024

The injury of the ligament crossed in knees is a break (partial or complete) or excessive stretching of the Anterior cruciate ligament (LCA) or later (LCP) of this joint as important as necessary.

According to the orthopedists of the National Institutes of Health of the United States , the knee is similar to a hinge joint; Its location is vital because it joins the tip of the femur (thigh bone) with the top of the shin (tibia). To understand the seriousness of this injury , it is important to know the four main ligaments that connect these two bones:

1. Middle collateral ligament (LCM), which runs along the inside of the knee and prevents it from bending inward
2. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL), which runs along the outer side of the knee and prevents it from bending out
3. Anterior cruciate ligament (LCA), which is in the middle part of the knee . Prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur and provides rotational stability to the knee
4. Posterior cruciate ligament (LCP), which works together with the ACL and prevents the tibia from sliding backwards below the femur

The LCA and the LCP intersect within the knee forming an "X"; therefore they are called "crossed" ligaments.

Who are more likely to suffer the injury?

The injuries ACL often occur with other lesions. The classic example is when the ACL tears at the same time as the LCM and the medial meniscus (one of the shock-absorbing cartilages of the knee ). Make a quick stop, in combination with a change of direction when running, turning, landing in a jump or extending too much joint of the knee may cause injury to the Anterior cruciate ligament .

Women are more likely to suffer a rupture of the LCA that men, and although the cause of this situation is not yet fully understood, may be due to differences in the anatomy and operation muscular .

Adults usually break the ACL in the middle part of the ligament or the ligament it is separated from femur ; these injuries they do not heal by themselves. Children, on the other hand, are more susceptible to the separation of this ligament with a piece of bone still attached; these injuries They can heal on their own or they may require an operation to repair the bone.

Some people are able to live and function normally with a rupture of the LCA; However, most complain that their knee is unstable and can "fail" with the physical activity . ACL ruptures that are not repaired can also lead to a arthritis early in the knee affected

The lesion in the posterior cruciate ligament

On the other hand, posterior cruciate ligament (LCP) is the strongest of the knee and extends from the posterior-superior surface of the tibia (bone between the knee and the ankle ) to the lower frontal surface of the femur (bone extending from the pelvis to the knee ).

The ligament prevents the articulation of the knee present posterior instability, that is, it prevents the tibia from moving too much and from going behind the femur .

The posterior cruciate ligament is usually injured by excessive extension of the knee , what can happen if you land awkwardly after jumping. The LCP may also be injured by a direct blow to the bent knee, such as crushing or breaking the knee in a car accident or fall hard on it folded.

Most of the injuries of PCL occur with other lesions of ligaments Y traumatism serious in the knee . If you suspect an injury to the LCP, it is important that a medical professional examine it immediately.

First aid in both injuries

In any case of injury in the ligaments of the knee , you should consult an orthopedic doctor immediately. However, while going to the specialist, an ACL injury should be treated with:

1. Elevation of the joint (above the level of the heart)
2. Ice
3. Analgesics such as anti-inflammatorys non-steroids (like ibuprofen)

You should not play again until you have been evaluated and treated. Some people may need crutches to walk until the inflammation and the pain have improved For minor injuries, the doctor may suggest physiotherapy to help recover the mobility of joints and the strength of the legs.

In the case of the posterior cruciate ligament injury, you should:

1. Place a splint
2. Apply ice in the area
3. Elevate the joint (above the level of the heart)
4. Drink anti-inflammatory no steroids for pain

Limit the physical activity until the inflammation subsides, the movement is normal and the pain disappears. Physiotherapy can help you recover strength in the joint and leg. If the injury happens suddenly or if you have a high activity level, you may require a surgery , be it a knee arthroscopy or an "open" surgical reconstruction.