
Treatment
Treatment methods
There are various options for the treatment of a cruciate ligament rupture. The decision depends on various factors, such as the age and activity level of the person concerned. Options comprise treatment without surgery; surgery with preservation of the cruciate ligament; and surgery with reconstruction of the cruciate ligament. Each method has its advantages and limitations.
- Preservation of proprioception (depth sensitivity)
- No surgical procedure for withdrawal of a donor tendon is necessary
- No risk of complaints at the donor site
Pros
Advantages
- Small time window: within 21 days after the rupture
- Not suitable for all cruciate ligament ruptures. This is to be ascertained at the beginning of the surgery. If the Ligamys implant cannot be used, a conventional cruciate ligament reconstruction is performed
- General risks of surgery
Cons
Limitations
The procedure can be performed as soon as the swelling has subsided. During surgery, the torn ligament is usually completely removed. The replacement ligament is anchored in the femur and tibia.
The rehabilitation phase is similar to the procedure with the Ligamys implant. Work can be resumed after about three weeks. After six months light sport should be possible again, while contact sport with changes of direction is possible again after nine months at the earliest.
- Tried and tested, well-documented procedure
- Large time window for the procedure
- Alternative to other treatments, if the desired success fails to materialise
Pros
Advantages
- Proprioception in the ligament cannot be restored
- The knee may be further weakened by the removal of a tendon from the patient’s body
- Possibly complaints at the donor site
- General risks of surgery
Cons
Limitations
- No surgery
- No complications due to anaesthesia
- No risk of infection from a surgical intervention
Pros
Advantages
- The instability is not addressed causally
- The ligament often does not heal, or the stumps may grow together in the wrong place
- The instability may lead to secondary damage
- Continuous muscle build-up necessary
Cons
Limitations