What is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)?
The knee joint consists of three bones; femur (thigh), tibia (shin) and patella (kneecap). These bones are connected to each other by ligaments. These structures are strong structures that hold the bones together and provide stability;
- Lateral (Collateral) Ligaments; These ligaments are parallel to the leg on the inner and outer sides of the knees. Provides lateral control of the knee.
- Cruiate Ligaments; These ligaments are the inner part of the knee, that is, intra-articular ligaments, and there are two, front and back, and they are called cruciate because they extend diagonally. These structures control the forward and backward movement of the knee. These ligaments provide the stability of the knee to rotate around its own axis.
Anterior cruciate ligament tears must be repaired in certain occupational groups and active adults who are interested in sports, in movements such as sprinting, fast turns, pivots or in heavy occupational groups. .
In the past, age was a criterion taken into account in anterior cruciate ligament surgeries, but the current concept takes into account the person's activity level, not age.
In children and growing ages, anterior cruciate ligament tears are delayed until bone maturity is completed. Because during surgery, injury may occur to the growth plates located at the ends of the bones. Growth plates allow the person to grow taller.
In a person with an ACL tear, the knee becomes loose and there is a risk of secondary damage to the knee, that is, cartilage and meniscus tears, with every strain. Due to this situation, the current approach is to repair the ACL in adult and active people.
ACL injuries may be accompanied by some anatomical injuries within the knee. Namely;
- 50% meniscus tears
- 30% cartilage damage
- 30% collateral ligament damage
- Joint capsule or It can be a combination of the above.
There is a condition called "Unhappy Triad", which is common in football players and skiers.
Here, the ACL, medial collateral ligament and medial meniscus are torn together.
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In combined injuries, surgery is planned immediately and the results are usually good. Approximately 50% of meniscus tears associated with ACL are repairable. Our concept is to repair the torn meniscus if it cannot be repaired. D Read meniscus tears for details.
Anterior cruciate ligament surgery should not be considered for older, passive knees and knees with arthrosis.
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