Conservative Treatment for Injured Anterior Cruciate Ligament - Two Cases Report -

손상된 전방십자인대의 보존적 치료 - 증례 보고 -

While the cruciate ligament has a profuse vascular response following injury, spontaneous repair does not occur. This may result from the fact that synovial fluid dilution of the hematoma following injury prevents the formation of a fibrin clot and thus the initiation of the healing mechanism. Another theory suggests that the dynamic nature of the fascicles of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) through even small ranges of motion prohibits spontaneous union to these fibers. But we experienced two cases of spontaneous healing of partially injured ACL. Initially they showed more than grade II anterior instability. 6 mm difference by stress roentgenographs(pull view) and difference of 8 mm by KT 1000TM arthrometer between the ACL injured knee and normal side knee. Lax, nearly complete tear of ACL and synovial bleeding were noted during arthroscopic examination but the continuity of synovial membrane was seemed to be intact. These cases were treated by conservative management rather than reconstructive procedure. Postoperatively they showed excellent clinical results, no anterior instability and unlimited athletic activity. Based on our clinical experience. we think that cruciate ligament has the spontaneous healing potential in acute stage and middle aged patient. We consider the microfracture technique and initial immobilization for accelleration of healing response of the ACL.

저자들이 전방십자인대 파열과 함께 전방 불안정성을 보인 2례를 보존적으로 치료하여 좋은 임상적 결과를 얻은 바를 고려할 때, 급성기에 전방십자인대가 파열된 경우에도 전방십자인대를 싸고 있는 활액막이 파열되어 없어지지 않고 비교적 연속성이 잘 유지된 경우에는 보존적으로 치료함으로써 좋은 결과를 기대할 수 있을 것으로 사료되며 아울러 십자인대가 손상받았을 때 스스로 복원 능력이 있는 지에 대하여 새로운 연구가 필요하리라 사료된다.