At the front of the knee is the kneecap or patella. The kneecap is embedded in the tendon of the knee’s large extensor. The bones of the upper and lower leg are held together by the capsula on the inside and outside, supported by ligaments (inner = medial collateral ligament) (outer = lateral collateral ligament). Right at the centre of the joint, the upper and lower leg are held together by the cruciate ligaments.
An acute injury to the knee occurs generally as a result of an uncontrolled movement (as a result of which the coordination between the upper leg and the lower leg fails to function), a collision with another player, or a fall. In any of these events, the ligaments and/or menisci may be damaged. Such injuries must always be examined by a sport physiotherapist, sport physician and/or orthopaedic specialist.
The ligaments on the side generally heal without an operative intervention. The cruciate ligaments do not recover by themselves. An operation is not always necessary. Depending on the level of sport in which you are involved, and the nature of the daily activities of the individual, the decision must be taken as to whether an operation is or is not necessary.
It is possible to function without cruciate ligaments. This will affect what treatment is chosen, and whether or not to operate. To have any chance of once again achieving your previous level of sport activity, a number of months strenuous rehabilitation will be necessary, in order to be able to correctly control all the muscles of the knee joint, and to make them strong enough. To support the knee when returning to sport, the Push Sports Knee Brace is an excellent choice.