Pronounced: an-TEER-ee-or KROO-shee-ate ligament
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a tear in the ACL ligament. The ACL is located in the middle of the knee joint and connects the lower leg bone to the thigh bone. It stabilizes the knee by preventing the thigh bone from sliding too far forward at the knee.
Most ACL tears occur during non-contact injuries, such as:
The ACL can also be injured from a direct blow to the knee.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
When the ACL tears, you may hear a popping sound. As you stand, the knee will probably give-way immediately, and it will be difficult to walk on the affected leg. There is usually moderate pain and swelling of the knee joint, although in the first several hours, this may be minor. It will, however, worsen over the first two days, and then begin to subside.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your knee. A physical exam will be performed.
Tests may include:
Treatments include:
You may need to wear a knee brace while recovering from your knee injury. The brace may also be needed when you return to your sport. This may be needed whether or not you have surgery to reconstruct the ligament.
Surgery may be needed to fully restore function of the knee. The decision to have surgery should be made after discussion with your doctor about your athletic needs, age, and associated factors.
ACL tears are often due to noncontact injuries. Precautions can be taken to prevent them.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
Women's Sport Foundation
http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
ACL Injury: Does It Require Surgery? American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org . Accessed June 18, 2008.
Griffin LY, Agel J, Albohm M, et al. Noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries: risk factors and prevention strategies. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2000;8:141-150.
Wells C. Women, Sport & Performance . Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics;1991.
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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