Ligaments
The term ligament has been used since ancient times to describe anatomical structures that connect one bone to another, forming a stable bond. These connective tissues must remain elastic and flexible to maintain strength and prevent harmful movements within the joint.
What is the function of knee ligaments?
They become frequently injured in sports due to rotation, hyperextension, sudden deceleration, or direct trauma. Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament or lateral ligaments are the most common.
Different types of ligament: ACL and PCL
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee provides over 90% of the stability for the femorotibial joint. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the strongest ligament in the knee, primarily responsible for preventing the tibia from moving backwards.
One of the most commonly used tissues for ACL replacement worldwide is the patellar graft. Surgeons select the central portion of the patient’s own patellar tendon and tunnel it into the femur and tibia to restore the anatomy and function of the torn ligament. This procedure is one of the most common knee surgeries and typically yields very positive results in terms of recovery and return to physical activity.
The Knee Unit at Instituto Cugat fits more than 300 knee prostheses a year.
Medical Team
Instituto Cugat boasts a team of professionals extensive experience in the pathology of this joint. Specialising in sports traumatology, they employ the most advanced surgical techniques to aid in the recovery of athletes.
