ACL Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. It connects the front part of the shinbone (tibia) to the back part of the thigh bone (femur) and prevents the shin from sliding forward. It also controls the knee's rotation.
Injuries to the ACL are very common in sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, jumping and landing. Soccer, basketball, football, and skiing are some examples of such sports. Landing from a jump while twisting or pivoting on one foot is the most common way to injure an ACL.
Causes of ACL Injuries
There are several factors that can increase the risk of an ACL injury, such as:
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Being female: Women tend to have weaker muscles and less stability in their knees than men.
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Being young: Younger athletes have less developed bones and muscles than older athletes.
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Being overweight: Excess weight puts more stress on the knee joint and ligaments.
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Having poor conditioning: Lack of strength and flexibility in the muscles around the knee can make it more prone to injury.
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Having faulty movement patterns: Moving the knees inward during a squat or twisting them outward during a turn can damage the ACL.
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Wearing improper footwear: Shoes that do not fit well or provide adequate support can affect the alignment and stability of the knee.
Symptoms of ACL Injuries
As a result of an ACL injury, the knee usually pops or snaps suddenly. In addition to severe pain, it may radiate to other parts of the leg. The knee may become swollen, feel unstable, or be difficult to bear weight on. The range of motion may be reduced or limited by swelling or pain.
Some signs that may indicate an ACL injury are:
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A loud pop or a snapping sensation in the knee
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Severe pain and inability to continue activity
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Rapid swelling
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Loss of range of motion
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A feeling of instability or giving way with weight bearing
Diagnosis of ACL Injuries
The doctor will examine your knee and assess your knee function and stability, as well as ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and activities.
Some tests that may be used to diagnose an ACL injury are:
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You will be examined by a doctor to check for swelling, bruising, tenderness, or deformities in your knee, as well as your range of motion and strength using special tools such as goniometers (to measure angles) and dynamometers (to measure forces).
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The X-ray can reveal any damage to your bones or other structures around your knee.
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An MRI scan provides detailed images of your ligaments, tendons, and muscles, and can detect any tears or inflammation in your ACL.
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It involves inserting a small camera into your knee through tiny incisions. This allows the doctor to see inside your knee joint directly and confirm if an ACL tear is present.
Treatment Options for ACL Injuries
The treatment for an ACL injury depends on several factors such as:
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The severity of your injury
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Your age
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Your activity level
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Your goals
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Your preferences
The main treatment options for an ACL injury are:
Non-surgical treatment
The non-surgical treatment involves rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), physical therapy (PT), and gradual return to activity.
Among non-surgical treatments are rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), and physical therapy (PT). to preserve their natural healing process.
If you follow your doctor's instructions carefully, non-surgical treatment can take several weeks or months.
Surgical treatment
Torn ligaments are repaired or replaced with grafts taken from other parts of your body (autografts) or from donors (allografts). Surgery is usually recommended for severe knee injuries that impact your functionality.
Surgical treatment may be necessary if you have recurrent episodes of instability after non-surgical treatment; if you suffer from persistent pain despite conservative treatment; if you suffer from poor function despite adequate rehabilitation; if you have other injuries that affect your knee stability; if you participate in high-risk sports; or if you want to recover faster.
For each leg, surgery takes about an hour under general anesthesia (sedation). You will need about six weeks before you are able to resume normal activities.
Rehabilitation after surgery
Exercises designed by a physical therapist who specializes in sports medicine are part of rehabilitation after surgery. They can also help to reduce post-surgery pain and swelling. In addition to restoring strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, agility, and function, rehabilitation can also reduce the risk of future injuries.
During rehabilitation, scar tissue can be reduced, range of motion can be improved, and muscles can be strengthened. Additionally, they can reduce the risk of re-injury and help improve overall physical performance, as well as improve posture, balance, and coordination. Additionally, it can help to increase blood flow to the injured area, which reduces inflammation and provides nutrients to the tissue.
Prevention of ACL Injuries
The best way to prevent an ACL injury is to avoid putting too much stress on your knee joint and ligaments. This means following some basic guidelines such as:
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Warming up properly before any physical activity
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Stretching your muscles and joints regularly
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Wearing appropriate footwear and protective gear
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Practicing good form and technique in your movements
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Avoiding sudden or excessive changes in direction, speed or height
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Strengthening your core, hips and legs muscles
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Participating in training drills that require balance, power and agility
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Undergoing an ACL conditioning program
