ACL or Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main knee structures. An ACL injury is any over-stretching or tearing of this ligament. ACL tears can be partial or complete. Most ACL tears occur in the midsection of the ligament, or result in the ligament being completely torn from the thigh bone.
What is the purpose of the ACL?
There are four main ligaments connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs on the inside of the knee, and it prevents the knee from bending inward. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) runs along the outer portion of the knee, and it prevents the knee from bowing outward. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) works with the ACL, and it prevents the shin bone from sliding under the femur. The ACL is in the middle area of the knee, and it prevents the shin bone from going in front of the thigh bone.
What causes an ACL injury?
ACL injuries may occur along with other structural injuries. An ACL tear commonly occurs with a MCL tear, as well as with a tear of the lateral meniscus (shock-absorbing cartilage). An ACL injury may occur if you:
- Overextend the knee joint
- Get hit hard on the side of the knee (football tackle)
- Quickly stop moving and change direction during running, turning, or landing
What sporting activities are associated with ACL injuries?
Football, soccer, and basketball are sports most commonly associated with ACL tears and injuries.
What are the symptoms of an ACL injury?
Early symptoms include a popping sound heard at the time of the injury, knee swelling within six hours of the initial trauma, pain that is worse with weight-bearing, and a feeling of knee instability (gives way).
How are ACL injuries diagnosed?
The sports injury doctor will inquire about your symptoms, conduct a physical examination, and order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The MRI is used to assess the extent of the injury and to confirm the diagnosis.
How are anterior cruciate ligament injuries treated?
If your trainer suspects an ACL injury, he will have you:
- Elevate the leg above heart level.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
- Use ice packs for 20-minute intervals.
- Use crutches until you see the doctor.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery with a sports medicine specialist is used to repair partial and complete tears of the ACL. Unrepaired ACL tears can lead to further knee joint damage. The surgery is performed using arthroscopic technique (use of a tiny camera and small instruments). It may be necessary for the surgeon to use a graft (tendon from somewhere in the body) to make the ACL repair. Following surgery, you will need physical therapy to improve leg strength and joint range of motion and can get back to sports at the earliest.