Cruciate ligament rupture

Cruciate ligament rupture is an injury that is very often sustained in connection with contact sports

Cruciate ligament rupture

Particular risk for injuries: Judo, football, skiing and similar sports

The posterior cruciate ligament is only injured by very traumatic events such as a car crash or similar accidents.

Although the anterior cruciate ligament is just as thick and strong as the posterior cruciate ligament, it is injured considerably more often. It may rupture entirely (complete cruciate ligament rupture) or individual fibres may be torn (partial cruciate ligament rupture).

Of particular risk for injuries are Judo, football, skiing and similar sports. In most cases, the knee twists inwards with the upper body bending backwards at the same time. The fibres very often tear where the ligament inserts into the thigh bone.

Another reason for injury is a congenital anomaly of the cruciate ligament that leads to permanent overstrain until the ligament ruptures from a minor cause.

Patients sometimes find the knee joint very painful and it usually swells up within the first few hours. Another sign is joint effusion and marked joint instability.

Treatment of cruciate ligament rupture

  • Once the acute pain has diminished, regular physiotherapy is usually prescribed. This improves the stability of the affected knee joint by strengthening muscles and training co-ordination.
  • Electrophysiotherapy, ultrasound and ice packs can also be used for treatment, either individually or in combination. This improves perfusion and relieves pain.
  • But the most important factor is lifelong consistent muscle training to help the muscles take over the task of the torn cruciate ligament.
  • Supportive knee braces are used, particularly during sports and after operations. These enable mobility to be regained step by step and relieve stresses on the knee joint by stabilizing it.
  • If an operation is needed, cruciate ligament-plasty is usually performed. In this procedure, a piece of the body's own tendon is implanted in the knee as a replacement. After the operation, aftercare with physiotherapy and other methods, as described above, are necessary.

Therapy-accompanying exercises as an add-on for treatment after injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament

Dear Patient,

medi would like to give you active support during your rehabilitation phase. With the series of exercises, you find on the following PDF, you can activate and strengthen your leg muscles. Just print out the PDF so you can do the exercises where and when you want.

We hope you will have fun and wish you every success!

One important note before you start: Please discuss the exercises with your doctor and therapist in advance.

Therapy-accompanying exercises Part I

Bend and stretch the ankle joint

Bend and stretch the ankle joint: Exercises to activate the thigh muscles

Dosing

  • 15 repetitions of 3 cycles each
  • 30 second break after each cycle

Please note:

  • Perform the movements slowly
  • Tense your thigh muscles
  • This exercise can be done with both legs to prevent thrombosis

Move the kneecap

Move the kneecap: Exercise to mobilise the kneecap

Dosing

  • Do each exercise for about one minute
  • The exercise can be done several times a day

Please note:

  • Move the kneecap to the left and right as well as up and down
  • Perform the movements slowly
  • Relax your thigh muscles

Lift leg while lying down

Lift leg while lying down: Exercise to strengthen the thigh muscles

Dosing

  • 10 repetitions of 3 cycles each
  • 30 second break after each cycle

Please note:

  • Lift your straight leg up about 20 inches
  • Perform the movements slowly
  • Pull your toes up towards you

Therapy-accompanying exercises Part II

Lift leg while lying on side

Lift leg while lying on side: Exercise to strengthen the buttock and thigh muscles

Dosing

  • 15 repetitions of 3 cycles each
  • 30 second break after each cycle

Please note:

  • The injured leg is on top
  • Keep the stretched leg in line with your body
  • Perform the movements slowly
  • Pull your toes up towards you

Lift leg while standing

Lift leg while standing: Exercise to strengthen the thigh and the hip flexor muscles

Dosing

  • 15 repetitions of 3 cycles each
  • 30 second break after each cycle

Please note:

  • Keep your body upright
  • Actively pull your toes upwards
  • Perform the movements slowly

Lift leg sideways while standing

Lift leg sideways while standing: Exercise to strengthen the buttock and thigh muscles

Dosing

  • 15 repetitions of 3 cycles each
  • 30 second break after each cycle

Please note:

  • Keep your body upright
  • Actively pull your toes upwards
  • Perform the movements slowly

You are very welcome to download our Therapy-accompanying exercises flyer here.

Knee braces from medi

Click here for more information about knee braces from medi.