How is a cruciate ligament rupture treated?

Ruptured cruciate ligaments, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), can be treated using different approaches depending on the severity of the injury, the patient's lifestyle and recovery goals. Here are the main treatments: 

Treatments for cruciate ligament rupture

1. Conservative treatment: Non-surgical treatment, often referred to as conservative treatment, includes rehabilitation protocols with modalities such as cryotherapy (ice), electrical stimulation, wearing a support brace and physiotherapy sessions to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve balance. This is recommended mainly for less active patients or when the injury is less severe⁽¹⁾. 
2. Surgical reconstruction: This is the most common treatment for athletes, as it is what allows them to resume their sporting careers after injury. Reconstruction involves rebuilding the torn ligament using a graft (often taken from the patient's own tendons, such as the hamstring or patellar bone tendon). In 94% of cases, reconstruction surgery is performed within one year of the initial trauma^{(1, 2, 3)}.
3. Combined techniques: Techniques combining reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with that of the anterolateral ligament are becoming increasingly common, due to the promising results of studies that have shown a reduction in the rate of graft rupture and a greater likelihood of a return to pre-injury sporting levels. These approaches are particularly indicated in young athletes practising sports involving a lot of pivoting, who are at increased risk of injury⁽⁴⁾. 
4. Post-operative physiotherapy: Intensive post-operative physiotherapy, started early and combined with comprehensive management, helps patients to recover effectively and return to their sporting activities. Rehabilitation protocols can include progressive exercises essential for restoring mobility and muscle strength, as well as joint rehabilitation by a physiotherapist. Studies show that incorporating additional interventions in the early postoperative phase after surgery, such as kinesio taping, total body vibration, or dry trigger point puncture, can reduce pain and swelling, improve overall function, increase muscle strength and improve range of motion^(5,6).

How is it managed? 

Management of ACL tears can range from conservative treatment alone to sophisticated surgical procedures. The latter are increasingly favoured because of their speed, the durability of the grafts and the better results obtained. This is particularly true for athletes and young active patients, for whom surgical reconstruction is often recommended.