The knee joint connects the tibia, kneecap and femur and plays one of the most important roles in locomotion. With the help of tendons, the kneecap and the quadriceps muscle are connected, in the ligamentous apparatus, the cruciate and lateral ligaments are distinguished. The knee joint is most often subjected to various injuries, ligament rupture occurs with excessive load. What is a sprain and rupture of ligaments? What are the symptoms of this disease? These are the questions covered in this article.
Degrees of rupture of ligaments
One of the most important departments in the musculoskeletal system is the knee joint. Ligament rupture is an injury in which the integrity of the ligamentous apparatus is violated. Most often it occurs with excessive and atypical loads. In this case, the ligamentous fibers can be torn completely orpartially. Such injuries are most often typical for athletes who play football, boxing, skiing, and athletics. In the classification of injuries, there are ruptures of the anterior tendon ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament, external and internal lateral.
Rupture of ligamentous fibers is divided into several degrees. In the first case, only partial damage to the fibers is observed, most of them are preserved intact. This is a fairly common injury that affects the knee joint. Ligament rupture of the second degree is characterized by injury to more than half of the fibers, while there are restrictions in movement. The third degree is a complete rupture of the ligaments, only pathological movements are observed.
Knee ligament tear symptoms
A number of symptoms can signal damage to the ligamentous apparatus. A sharp pain is the first signal of fiber rupture, in addition, there is swelling of the joint, an increase in its volume. Also at the time of injury in the knee joint, a slight crack is heard. If the ligaments are damaged, the patient feels a dislocation of the lower leg to the side or forward, stiffness of movement or, conversely, looseness of the knee joint is observed. The injured person is unable to shift weight while walking on the affected leg. When pressed with fingers, pathological mobility of the patella is detected. Symptoms may vary depending on whether the anterior or posterior ligament is injured.
Methodstreatment
Methods of treatment will depend on the degree of damage that the knee joint has received. Ligament rupture requires surgical treatment and radical measures. In this case, surgery is necessary, as well as a long recovery period.
Partial knee ligament tear requires a plaster cast, in which case treatment takes three to four weeks. For minor knee ligament disorders, therapy will include anti-inflammatory drugs, the use of a fixative bandage and cold, limited movement, and rest. An important role in the recovery process after a period of treatment is played by physical exercises and exercise therapy. When performed regularly, they can strengthen muscles and restore mobility in a joint.
