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ACL Reconstruction

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) AnatomyThe anterior cruciate ligament is a thick rope like structure made from collagen that joins the femur to the tibia.

Its main function is to provide rotational stability to a the knee joint. The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major stabilising ligaments in the knee. It acts as a strong brace

 

1. Causes ACL Injuries

ACL injuries are one of the most common ligament injuries in the body. Once the anterior cruciate ligament is torn it has a poor ability to heal and typically will not heal if untreated.

The ACL can tear with different types of injury such as:

  • Twisting and rotational injuries, such as occurs with a sudden change in direction or speed.

  • Contact injuries in collision sports or road accidents.

  • Hyperextension injuries.

  • Hyperflexion injuries.

 

2. Symptoms of an ACL Injury

Patients report the following associated symptoms of anterior cruciate ligament injuries:

  • An audible 'pop' sound from the knee

  • A sensation of something tearing inside the knee

  • A feeling as if the knee has momentarily 'come out of its joint'

These symptoms are usually followed by:

  • Swelling of the knee

  • Difficulty walking and

  • Pain

Instability of the knee is particularly noticeable:

  • On uneven ground or

  • During sport when a patient attempts a sidestepping or twisting manoeuvre

 

3. Types of ACL Injury

  • Most ACL injuries are complete tears

  • Partial ACL tears are very rare

  • When partial tears occur, they usually progress to complete tears over time

 

4. ACL Injury Diagnosis

ACL tears are diagnosed by the following:

  • History of injury

  • Nature of knee pain and other symptoms

  • Physical examination

  • Imaging tests

  • Imaging tests

In your assessment I will:

  • Take a medical history

  • Perform a physical examination

  • Assess the joint's range of motion

  • Organise appropriate imaging tests

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