[Click! Health] Perfect Weather for Exercise, the Sports Enthusiasts' Nemesis 'Knee Ligament Tear'

Knee Twisting from Intense Exercise Increases Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis Compared to General Population
Prevent with Adequate Stretching Before Exercise

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is well known as an injury that shortens the career span of athletes. However, it is not necessarily safe for the general public either. In South Korea, the annual number of patients with ACL rupture is around 30,000 to 40,000. Especially as the population enjoying various sports increases, special caution is required.

The cruciate ligaments refer to two ligaments that cross in a cross shape within the knee joints of both legs, supporting the joint. They are divided into the anterior cruciate ligament, which holds the center of the joint and supports the tibia from slipping forward, and the posterior cruciate ligament, which supports from behind. ACL rupture mainly occurs when the knee twists due to sudden changes in direction during intense exercise or excessive physical activity in daily life.

The causes of rupture vary, including deceleration and direction changes, excessive rotation with the foot fixed, awkward landing after jumping, sudden stops during running, and physical collisions with opponents in sports like soccer and basketball. Orthopedic specialist Lee Yong-jun of H Plus Yangji Hospital explained, "Symptoms include feeling the ligament snap inside as the knee twists, and pain may make walking impossible. There may be intra-articular bleeding, swelling, or dark bruising inside the knee. If damage is suspected, the knee joint is examined by comparing it with the opposite knee, and diagnosis is made through X-ray and MRI."

Treatment varies depending on the patient's condition. For elderly patients with low activity levels and partial tears less than 50% without instability on arthroscopy and MRI findings, reconstructive surgery is not considered. In the early stage of rupture, cold compresses should be applied to stabilize the joint, compression bandages used, and the injured leg elevated above the heart level to reduce swelling. If the cruciate ligament is partially torn and instability is not severe, conservative treatment and rehabilitation such as muscle strengthening exercises, wearing braces, and plaster fixation can be combined. If the anterior cruciate ligament is completely ruptured, reconstructive surgery is performed using the patient's own patellar tendon, semitendinosus tendon, gracilis tendon, or Achilles and patellar tendons donated by others for grafting.

In particular, patients with cruciate ligament rupture have a higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis than the general population, so caution is necessary. Even after ligament reconstruction surgery, arthritis can develop. Smoking and excessive drinking, which are the root causes of many diseases, should be avoided, and if there is a history of knee joint disease, it is recommended to use elevators or escalators rather than stairs. For prevention, it is important to choose an appropriate exercise method suitable for oneself rather than overly intense exercise, and above all, to warm up sufficiently before exercising.

The specialist said, “Regardless of whether surgery is performed, rehabilitation can restore knee joint strength and range of motion, enabling a return to daily life. If reconstruction surgery is done, initial rehabilitation focuses on restoring the range of motion, gradually combining exercises to strengthen muscles to protect the reconstructed ligament and strengthen it to allow daily activities.”