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10 things you need to know about the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)


1. What is the ACL? The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the major ligaments in the knee. It connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and plays a crucial role in providing stability to the knee joint.


2. ACL Injuries: ACL injuries are common, particularly in sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or pivoting movements. These injuries often occur due to a twisting motion or direct impact to the knee.


3. Symptoms of ACL Injury: Symptoms of an ACL injury include a popping sound at the time of injury, immediate swelling, severe pain, instability of the knee (feeling like it gives out), and difficulty bearing weight.


4. Diagnosis: A thorough physical examination, along with imaging tests such as MRI, is usually conducted to diagnose an ACL injury. These tests help assess the severity of the injury and evaluate any associated damage to other structures within the knee.


5. Treatment Options: The treatment for an ACL injury depends on various factors, including the individual's activity level, age, and the presence of associated injuries. Non-surgical treatment may be considered for less active individuals or those with partial tears, while surgical reconstruction is often recommended for athletes or individuals with complete ACL tears.


6. ACL Reconstruction Surgery: ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft, which may be sourced from your own tissue (autograft) or a donor tissue (allograft). The surgery is performed arthroscopically using small incisions, and the graft is secured in place using screws or other fixation devices.


7. Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is a crucial part of ACL injury management, regardless of whether surgery is performed. Physical therapy and exercises are focused on regaining strength, stability, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee. Rehabilitation typically involves a progressive and structured program spanning several months.


8. Return to Sports: Returning to sports activities after an ACL injury requires careful consideration and guidance from your healthcare team. The timing for returning to sports varies depending on individual factors, the type of treatment, and the progress made during rehabilitation. It is essential to achieve adequate strength, stability, and functional capabilities before resuming sports activities, the magic number is 9 months.


9. Long-Term Outlook: With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, many individuals can successfully return to their pre-injury level of activity and sports participation. However, the risk of re-injury or developing knee osteoarthritis may be slightly increased compared to individuals without a history of ACL injury.


10. Injury Prevention: Engaging in proper training techniques, using appropriate protective gear, maintaining muscular strength and balance, and participating in sports-specific conditioning programs can help reduce the risk of ACL injuries. Warm-up exercises and implementing safe playing techniques are also important preventive measures.


Remember, it is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as an orthopaedic surgeon or sports medicine specialist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of an ACL injury. They can provide personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances and help you make informed decisions regarding treatment and rehabilitation.


Find out more about our unique ACL surgery.


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