Basketball competition

Lesions of the meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) often occur in pivoting sports such as football, field hockey and indoor sports. ACL ruptures occur up to 6 times more frequently in women than men. The injury occurs both in children and adults. Adequate treatment of ligament and meniscal injuries is essential for return to daily activities and sports. This treatment is often stepwise. Meniscal ruptures may sometimes be repaired, especially important in children and young adults. Survival of the meniscus is important for loading of the knee as well as prevention of osteoarthritis in the long run. Reconstruction of the ACL is still a topic of scientific debate. Illustrated is a case of an 11 year old girl who ruptured both medial and lateral mensicus as well as her anterior cruciate ligament.

Before I had this knee injury, I played basketball and rode horse back. I had no knee complaints until I got knocked over during a basketball match. I fell on my knee. This was may 2007. It took a while before I went to the doctor. Due to a persistent feeling of giving way, we went to the family physician. He sent us to a physiotherapist who told us to go the hospital. There, we first made X-rays. Nothing wrong on the X-ray so an MRI was made. After that, I needed surgery as soon as possible.

Part of my meniscus was removed, another part was repaired by sutures. My anterior cruciate ligament was ruptured. At that time, I did not realize that I had a very serious knee injury. I thought: if I do what they say, it will soon be over. But when I went back to school and was not allowed to play sports, well, I had lots of free time. I had to wear a knee brace for 2,5 years because my knee felt unstable. It was difficult at the start but I did get used to it after a while. I have now had my second surgery and my anterior cruciate ligament is reconstructed. It went very well. I am still in rehabilitation but am allowed to swim and ride horseback again. I am very grateful that I can do all this again. One thing is for sure, I don’t miss the brace!

Thanks dr Janssen.