Anterior cruciate ligament injury & root lesion
Today’s Case of the week is about a complex knee injury involving both the anterior cruciate ligament and the meniscus root.
Our 22-year-old patient plays beach volleyball as a competitive sport and injured her left knee during a volleyball match. Clinical and MR tomographic examination revealed a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and a complex rupture of the lateral meniscus with root avulsion. This completely eliminates the function of the meniscus as a stabilizer and shock absorber. In addition, the anterior cruciate ligament rupture reduces the stability of the knee joint, especially during rotational movements. A condition that does not allow a sporting activity at a high level.
Treatment approach
The patient underwent reconstruction of the cruciate ligament with the semitendinosus tendon and transosseous refixation of the meniscal root. Postoperatively, intensive physiotherapy was performed and the patient is already gradually returning to training. A full return to volleyball with participation in matches is possible 9-12 months postoperatively.
