Comparison of surgical and conservative treatment methods for cruciate ligament injury

Cruciate ligament injury is one of the most common injuries of the knee joint, significantly affecting the quality of life of patients. Despite significant progress in surgical and conservative treatment methods, the issues of choice of optimal treatment tactics and longterm results remain unresolved, especially in the context of psychological rehabilitation of patients. Purpose of the study: to conduct a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of surgical and conservative methods of treating cruciate ligament injury with an assessment of long-term functional results and quality of life of patients. Methods. A comprehensive analysis of current literature was carried out, including systematization of data on the results of treatment of patients with cruciate ligament injury. T reatment outcomes were studied in two main areas: surgical (arthroscopic reconstruction) and conservative (intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation). The results were assessed according to the following parameters: joint stability, functional recovery, return to sports activity, incidence of complications and re-injuries, and quality of life of patients in the period from 5 to 20 years after treatment. Results. With surgical treatment, there is a higher rate of return to sports activity (70-80% versus 30-50% with conservative treatment) and a lower risk of re-injury (5-10% vs 15-25%). Conservative treatment demonstrates shorter recovery periods (3-6 months versus 6-12 months with surgical treatment) and a lower risk of developing osteoarthritis in the long term. Integration of psychological support into the rehabilitation process increases satisfaction with treatment results by 35%. Conclusion. The choice of treatment for a cruciate ligament injury should be based on individual patient characteristics. Surgical treatment is preferred for young and physically active patients, while conservative treatment may be optimal for patients with moderate physical activity. An integrated approach to rehabilitation, including psychological support, significantly improves long-term treatment results, regardless of the method chosen.