ACL Knee Injuries
(ACL) The anterior cruciate ligament connects the tibia to the femur. It serves to stop the tibia (leg) from moving forward relative to the femur (thigh). The ACL is in the center of the knee. It crosses the PCL, hence the name, cruciate.
The role or function of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament is to prevent or avoid forward movement of the Tibia from beneath the femur. The Posterior Cruciate Ligament avoids or prevents movement of the Tibia in a backwards direction. Together these two ligaments are really important to the stability of the knee joint, particularly in contact sports and those that entail fast changes in direction and twisting and pivoting movements. Therefore a torn ACL has serious implications for the stability and function of the knee joint.
This ligament is recurrently damaged in contact sports e.g., football and pivoting sports such as soccer and skiing, however there are many scenarios for injury to this ligament. Usually the patient complains of a sudden injury to the knee and the inability to walk right after the accident. Often, there is a significant amount of swelling or inflammation that occurs soon after the injury. In contact sports e.g., football the injury typically occurs when another player impacts the side of the knee. Non-contact ACL injuries are more common in women, such as a female soccer player who suddenly changes direction and feels a pop in her knee.
What are the symptoms of an ACL injury? An audible crack sound during the injury. A feeling of original instability, extremely painful, straight away after sustaining the injury. Swelling /inflammation of the knee. Restricted movement, inability to fully straighten the leg and Tenderness at the medial side of the joint, may indicate cartilage injury
What happens after the ACL injury? It depends how severe the injury and whether there are other associated injuries, such as a medial collateral ligament tear or a meniscal tear. Usually the swelling or inflammation resolves after a week or two. Some patients will be able to function without any problems after they get over the original injury, especially if the damage is only a partial tear. The majority, will notice “instability”; the feeling that their lower leg is shifting forward on their thigh bone. For some, this will be a bit of annoyance and for others, it will be a considerable disability.
What can the athlete do during injury? Immediately stop play or competition. Apply RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to the knee without delay.Ask for medical attention immediately.
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