Cruciate Ligament Rupture: Origins, Causes and Consequences

A WHO study found that 10% of ligament injuries lead to medical complications.

In the world of sport in particular and active life in general, many people are faced with ligament injuries. These occur for various reasons. Sports accidents are a common cause of cruciate ligament tears. Contact sports, such as football, rugby and basketball, present a particular risk. The ligament tissues, located in the knees and legs, are subjected to high stresses during these activities. “I tore the cruciate ligament in my knee during a football match. It was a collision with an opponent, and I felt intense pain and temporary immobility,” says Eric Mintsa, a 23-year-old football player.

In addition, everyday accidents, such as falls while walking, slips or road accidents can also cause ligament injuries. Liliane Ada, a 20-year-old student, explains: “I slipped on a wet sidewalk and tore the cruciate ligament in my knee. I felt intense pain and had to use walking crutches for several weeks.” A study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that 60% of ligament injuries are linked to mechanical stress. “I fell uncontrollably during a jump and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in my knee. I had to undergo surgery and rehabilitation for several months,” argues Thomas, a 28-year-old 100m athlete.

Excessive repetition of movements can also lead to ligament injuries. Endurance athletes, such as long-distance runners, face many risks. A WHO study found that 20% of ligament injuries are related to overuse. Sophie, a 29-year-old 10,000-meter athlete, says: “I increased my running distance too quickly and tore the posterior cruciate ligament in my knee. I had to stop running for six months.”

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ACL injuries can lead to medical complications, such as: internal bleeding, infections, and post-surgical complications. Ligament injuries often lead to medical complications. Marie, a 42-year-old former shooter, explains: “I had arthroscopic surgery to repair my ACL. I had post-surgical complications, including an infection, which prolonged my recovery.”

To minimize the risk of cruciate ligament injuries, sports medicine experts recommend rehabilitation and prevention. To this end, simple measures, such as the use of protective knee pads, can reduce the risk of injuries. It should be noted that a WHO study showed that 70% of people who suffered a ligament injury reported a decrease in their quality of life. As a reminder, cruciate ligament rupture is a tissue injury that occurs over time, often suddenly and unexpectedly. These injuries can have serious consequences, ranging from pain and immobilization to medical complications.

Junior NTEPPE KASSI