LCA

When We put the diagnose “Thorn LCA” our goal is to prepare the knee for operative treatment.
The operation is not urgent and could be postponed until the patient is ready for it. We conduct preoperative rehabilitation, which is very important. It helps to overcome contractures, reduces the swelling and relieves inflammation. We combine physiotherapy and rehabilitation (electrostimulation of the quadriceps muscle, ultrasound physiotherapy of the knee, interference current, magnetic therapy, laser therapy), massage, cryotherapy. Kinesitherapy complex includes active and passive exercises in the supine position from different starting positions and exercises on different devices in the gym.
When the knee is no longer inflammated and is well rehabilitated our traumatologists proceed to surgery – reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (LCA) by BTB technic.
Using this operative technic, allows the reconstructed ligament to achieve enough strength to start postoperative rehabilitation very early (usually the next day). It reduces the risk of muscle hypotrophy and shortening of the tendons. Patients need to wear brace for a week, except the ones who’s meniscus are sutured. They need to walk with splint for 2-3 weeks. Postoperative rehabilitation is in three stages.
The first stage starts the day following the operation. Patients are still in the hospital. This stage includes simple exercises (isometric and isotonic), aiming mainly maintenance of muscle tonus.
The second rehabilitation stage begins when the operative stitches are removed (around 10th – 12th postoperative day) .It is performed in our medical center. The duration of this stage is 2-3 weeks. It includes electrostimulation of the quadriceps femoris muscle, ultrasound of the knee joint, magnetic therapy, massage (supporting nutrition of the muscles of the lower limb and releasing the post-operative scar) and physiotherapy. Patients perform a complex of exercises in the supine position aiming at strengthening the quadriceps femoris muscle, and the adductor and abductor group of muscles. The rehabilitation program also includes training in proper walking, prevention from fixing incorrect pattern of movement. Patients usually begin exercises in the gym from the second day of this rehabilitation stage. It includes exercises on Swedish wall exercises with elastic bands on a chair with legs drawn with and without weights, veloergometry. By the end of the second week exercises on a balancer and a Swiss Ball are added to the program. They train propriorception and improve coordination and balance.
The third stage of rehabilitation continues until 5th-6th postoperative month and includes fitness training. Patients train on a specially developed fitness program. Swimming is recommended.