It is one of the biggest fears for athletes: an injury occurs in the middle of an important competition. Tears to the anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus are typical sports injuries to the knee joint. The result: the athlete is out of action for a long time.
How quickly the affected person is fit again depends on the type of injury and the subsequent treatment. Has "only" the cruciate ligament been torn? Or has the meniscus also been damaged? A torn anterior cruciate ligament is surgically replaced by a tendon of the thigh. In order to avoid increased strain on the operated leg afterwards, the affected person should use crutches for two to four weeks. If the meniscus is also torn, it is usually sutured. In addition, the patient must wear a knee joint orthosis for six weeks. If only the meniscus is damaged and the cruciate ligament is intact, either the affected part is removed or sutured. It should be noted that patients are only restricted for two weeks if only part of the meniscus is removed, but for six weeks if the meniscus is sutured. The surgical method depends on the shape of the tear and the tissue quality
of the meniscus.
Physiotherapy begins while the patient is still in hospital. In close coordination with the attending physicians, the physiotherapists at Sportklinik Hellersen promote mobility until the day of discharge and show the patient exercises for the period between hospitalization and the start of further outpatient rehabilitation. Individually adapted to the operation, the patient and their performance level
.
Returning to sport after surgery
After an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, recreational and amateur athletes must refrain from sports such as soccer and handball for six to nine months. Professional athletes may be able to resume playing earlier due to their physical condition and the more intensive care they receive. Cycling is usually possible after six weeks, jogging after twelve. As a general rule, exercise should be adapted and resumed gradually.
In order to regain full athletic ability, recovery training consisting of strength training, coordination and stability exercises with dynamics and agility adapted to competition is required. Gradual reconstruction prevents further injuries, because "your own cruciate ligament is the best".
