What are the causes and consequences of a cruciate ligament rupture?

The two ligaments that cross at the knee sometimes give athletes a cold sweat when one of the two ruptures. How does this injury occur, and how can it be treated?

French alpine skier Alexis Pinturault suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament on January 12 during the Super-G in Wengen, Switzerland. The opportunity for Doctor Martin Ducret, doctor and journalist at Doctor’s Dailyto take stock of this common knee injury among athletes…

franceinfo: Is it an injury that affects the knee?

Martin Ducret: Yes, but let’s start with a little anatomy. There are two ligaments that cross in the middle of the knee, these are the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. They stabilize the joint by connecting the femur and the tibia. They can rupture during trauma, but rarely both at the same time. In 90% of cases, it is only the anterior cruciate ligament that is affected by the rupture. We should therefore say: “II ruptured my cruciate ligament. and not “Cruciate ligaments”as we hear too often in the media.

How does this injury occur?

During knee trauma, mainly during the practice of a sport that puts a lot of strain on the knees, such as skiing or football. For example during a shoot in the air, a sudden change of support, crossing skis or even a fall in hyperflexion. In the event of a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, the knee will generally swell, be less mobile, hurt and limit walking. I warn that there is a greater risk of breakdown when we lack physical preparation. Before taking up a sport again, such as skiing for example, it is imperative to strengthen your thighs!

How do we treat this injury?

In the event of trauma, you must quickly consult a doctor, ideally a sports doctor, who will examine the knee, prescribe an x-ray to rule out a fracture and especially an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. From the first days following the accident, walking is generally possible with crutches and an articulated brace that protects the knee. Then you will need to do rehabilitation with a physiotherapist for a few weeks to recover your mobility, muscular strength and balance.

Is it necessary to operate on a cruciate ligament rupture?

Dr Antoine Lucet, orthopedic surgeon in Marseille, explains that “surgical treatment is recommended in young and athletic patients, or in cases of knee instability despite good rehabilitation, to limit wear and tear on the knee over time.” I would like to point out that instability – this consequence of ligament rupture – is a sensation of the knee giving way, as if it were not holding in place during certain movements.

Dr. Lucet adds: “PFor other patients, less young and without instability, the operation is discussed on a case-by-case basis, because it is not without consequences. Postoperative rehabilitation is long, it requires time and motivation.” You should know that walking can be resumed in less than 3 weeks, running can be resumed in 3 to 4 months and all sports, such as football or skiing, can be resumed after around 9 months. .