According to Traumatology experts, knee ligaments are fibrous structures that stabilize the joint by preventing abnormal displacement of the joint. There are external collateral ligaments and cruciate ligaments that are located inside the joint. Injury to these structures can range from sprain to rupture depending on the mechanism and energy of the trauma.
Cause of knee ligament injury
The most important injuries are those affecting the anterior cruciate ligament and are related to rotational trauma, direct contusions or abrupt changes of direction in the context of sports activities. It classically affects impact and pivoting sports activities, and may be influenced by certain constitutional and hormonal factors of the patient.
Knee ligament injuries in children
Sports injuries have increased significantly among pediatric patients and are related, on the one hand, to the greater demand and competitiveness of recreational activities as well as to the lack of attention sometimes paid to specific physical preparation and fitness. The importance of these injuries in childhood lies in the possible repercussions and sequelae that can occur in adulthood when a joint malfunctions.
Symptoms of knee ligament injury
In the acute phase it manifests with pain, joint effusion and functional impotence. Subsequently, there may be a feeling of instability, pain, joint failure and joint locking. The importance of the injury of the cruciate ligament lies in the deterioration that will determine the lack of stability of the knee on the meniscus and the articular cartilage. The impact of these injuries on the normal social development of children, which is largely carried out through play and sports activities, should not be forgotten.
Treatment for knee ligament injuries
Surgical repair of anterior cruciate ligament injuries is recommended if there is joint instability, age not being a contraindication. In the case of pediatric patients, an arthroscopic reconstruction technique is used, known as intraphyseal ligamentoplasty, whereby the damaged cruciate ligament is repaired with a tendon graft from the patient himself without damaging the growth plate. This prevents the appearance of dysmetry or angular deformities that could occur if conventional techniques were used. The experience of more than 10 years with this technique allows to observe the restitution of the anatomy and the normal functioning of the operated patients as well as their reincorporation to their usual sports activities.