What is a cruciate ligament injury?

Cruciate ligaments (anterior — ACL and posterior — PCL) are the main stabilizers of the knee joint. They prevent displacement of the tibia relative to the femur. ACL tear is one of the most common sports injuries, with approximately 200 000 cases occurring worldwide annually.

Traditionally, ACL tears are treated with arthroscopic reconstruction — the ligament is replaced with a graft from the patient's own tendon (hamstring or quadriceps). However, 10-25% of reconstructions fail, and tendon harvesting weakens the donor muscle.

Degrees of injury:

  • Grade I (sprain) — microfiber tears, ligament intact, mild instability
  • Grade II (partial tear) — up to 50% of fibers damaged, moderate instability
  • Grade III (complete tear) — ligament fully torn, significant instability

Risk factors:

  • Contact sports (soccer, basketball, martial arts)
  • Sudden stops and turns (skiing, tennis)
  • Female sex (2-8 times higher risk due to anatomy)
  • Weakness of knee stabilizer muscles

Facts about ACL tears

  • ICD-10: S83.5
  • Frequency: 200 000 cases/year worldwide
  • Age: 15-45 years
  • Sex: women 2-8 times more often
  • Reconstruction failures: 10-25%

Symptoms of ACL tear

Acute tear

  • Sudden pain and "pop" at the moment of injury
  • Rapid swelling (hemarthrosis within the first hours)
  • Inability to continue activity
  • Sensation of "knee dislocation"
  • Instability when walking

Chronic ACL deficiency

  • Sensation of "knee giving way"
  • Instability when running, descending stairs
  • Periodic swelling after activity
  • Quadriceps muscle atrophy
  • Progressive meniscus and cartilage damage

Consequences without treatment

  • Chronic knee instability
  • Meniscus tears (secondary)
  • Accelerated osteoarthritis development
  • Inability to participate in sports
  • Reduced quality of life

How regenerative treatment treats ligament injuries

Regenerative treatment is most effective for partial tears (Grade I-II) and acute injuries. In complete ruptures, it can be used as a complement to surgical reconstruction to accelerate graft integration.

01

MRI Diagnostics

MRI of the knee joint determines the degree of ligament damage, presence of associated meniscus and cartilage injuries. The feasibility of regenerative treatment is assessed.

02

Obtaining Concentrates

From blood — CGF with connective tissue growth factors. From adipose tissue — MFAT with stem cells capable of differentiating into tenocytes and fibrocytes — ligament tissue cells.

03

Injection into the Injury Site

Under ultrasound guidance with Ultrasound guidance, concentrates are injected directly into the damaged ligament. Damaged menisci and cartilage are treated simultaneously (if necessary).

04

Ligament Regeneration

Stem cells differentiate into tenocytes and synthesize Type I collagen — the main ligament component. Growth factors stimulate angiogenesis and formation of new fibers. The ligament strengthens and restores its stabilizing function.

ACL Reconstruction vs regenerative treatment

Criterion Arthroscopic Reconstruction Regenerative treatment
Principle Ligament replacement with graft Regeneration of native ligament
Anesthesia General / spinal No anesthesia
Donor Site Tendon harvest (muscle weakening) None — autologous cells from blood and fat
Rehabilitation 6-9 months, crutches 4-6 weeks Several weeks
Return to Sports 9-12 months 8-16 weeks (for partial tear)
Indication Complete rupture + high demands Partial tear, acute injury

Regenerative method Advantages

A broad range of indications

Regenerative methods are used for many orthopaedic and spinal conditions. Some cases still call for surgery.

No anesthesia or incisions

Outpatient treatment via 0.3-1.5 mm puncture. No general anesthesia or hospitalization.

No age restrictions

Regeneration at any age. Safe for chronic conditions and anesthesia intolerance.

Rapid improvement

Concentrates have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Relief within days.

Multiple zones at once

Simultaneous treatment of multiple discs or joints in one procedure.

Home the same day

No crutches, braces or rehabilitation needed. MRI follow-up at 8-16 weeks.

Regenerative treatment Technology

Navigation system for minimally invasive access

Navigation system

Intraoperative robotic navigation system. Provides precise access to deep structures with 1 mm and 1 degree accuracy.

Ultrasound guidance during the procedure

Ultrasound guidance

Device for intervention under sonographic control. Eliminates open surgeries with real-time visual monitoring.

More about technologies →

Frequently Asked Questions about knee ligament treatment

Will regenerative treatment help with a complete ACL tear?
For complete rupture with significant instability and high sports demands, reconstruction is typically recommended. However, regenerative methods can be used as a complement — to accelerate graft integration, restore damaged menisci and cartilage, or as an alternative to surgery. Each case is evaluated individually.
When is the best time to start regenerative treatment after a tear?
Optimally within the first 2-4 weeks after injury, when the ligament still retains its structure and healing capacity. However, regenerative treatment is also effective for chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament insufficiency — to strengthen the weakened ligament and protect cartilage from further degeneration.
Can the ligament and meniscus be treated simultaneously?
Yes. Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury is often combined with meniscus tear and cartilage damage. Regenerative treatment treats all structures in a single procedure — the ligament, menisci, and cartilage. This comprehensive approach ensures better restoration of stability and protects the joint from osteoarthritis.
How quickly can I return to sports?
With partial tear: light activity within 2-4 weeks, full sports within 8-16 weeks. This is significantly faster than after Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction (9-12 months). Muscle strengthening and neuromuscular training are mandatory components of rehabilitation.

Other conditions: Knee Joint

Knee ArthritisMeniscus TearChondromalaciaSynovitisLeg Axis DeformityPatellar Tendinopathy

Also treated with regenerative methods

Herniated DiscSpinal StenosisOsteochondrosisSpondylolisthesis
All treatment areas: SpineHip JointShoulder JointHand & WristFoot & Ankle
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