An anterior cruciate ligament injury is the over-stretching or tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. A tear may be partial or complete.
The knee joint is located where the end of the thigh bone (femur) meets the top of the shin bone (tibia).
Four main ligaments connect these two bones:
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs along the inside of the knee. It prevents the knee from bending in
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) runs along the outside of the knee. It prevents the knee from bending out
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is in the middle of the knee. It prevents the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) works with the ACL. It prevents the shin bone from sliding backwards under the femur
Women are more likely to have an ACL tear than men.
Prevention
Use proper techniques when playing sports or exercising. Some college sports programs teach athletes how to reduce stress placed on the ACL.
The use of knee braces during vigorous athletic activity (such as football) is controversial. It has not been shown to reduce the number of knee injuries, and not specifically ACL injuries.
Causes
An ACL injury can occur if you:
- Get hit very hard on the side of your knee, such as during a football tackle
- Overextend your knee joint
- Quickly stop moving and change direction while running, landing from a jump, or turning
Basketball, football, soccer, and skiing are common sports linked to ACL tears.
ACL injuries often occur with other injuries. For example, an ACL tear often occurs along with tears to the MCL and the shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee (meniscus).
Most ACL tears occur in the middle of the ligament, or the ligament is pulled off the thigh bone. These injuries form a gap between the torn edges, and do not heal on their own.
Symptoms
Early symptoms:
- A “popping” sound at the time of injury
- Knee swelling within 6 hours of injury
- Pain, especially when you try to put weight on the injured leg
Those who have only a mild injury may notice that the knee feels unstable or seems to “give way” when using it.
Diagnosis
See your health care provider if you think you have an ACL injury. Do not play sports or other activities until you have seen a provider and have been treated.
Your provider may send you for an MRI of the knee. This can confirm the diagnosis. It may also show other knee injuries.
Treatment
First aid for an ACL injury may include:
- Raising your leg above the level of the heart
- Putting ice on the knee
- Pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen)
You also may need:
- Crutches to walk until the swelling and pain get better
- Physical therapy to help improve joint motion and leg strength
- Surgery to rebuild the ACL
DO NOT:
- Move your knee if you have had a serious injury
- Use a splint to keep the knee straight until you see a doctor
- Return to play or other activities until you have been treated
Recovery
Some people can live and function normally with a torn ACL. However, most people complain that their knee is unstable and may “give out” with physical activity. Unrepaired ACL tears can lead to further knee damage. You are also less likely to return to the same level of sports without the ACL.
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