Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries

• ACL ruptures are common athletic injuries leading to knee anterior and lateral rotatory instability.
• ACL is one of the four main stabilizing ligaments of the knee.
• ACL prevents forward movement of the tibia in relation to the femur and controls rotational movement of the tibia under the femur.
• ACL is essential for control in pivoting movements.

Causes -

• The most common contact injury is when force is applied to the lateral side of the knee that results in a large valgus movement.
• The most common non contact injury occurs through a rotational mechanism in which the tibia is externally rotated.

Symptoms -

• The patient often describes an audible ‘pop’, ‘crack’ or feeling of ‘giveway’.
• Generalized knee pain
• Feeling of instability preventing return to sport
• Difficulty in weight bearing
• Pain, swelling
• Loss of ROM
• Tenderness
• Discomfort while walking

Investigations -

• Physical examination
• MRI
• Xrays

Treatment -

• Conservative or surgical depending on the tear.
• Healing & Recovery
• Strength training
• Return to sport training
• Conditioning