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What is ACL Injury?
The knee is the largest joint in the human body and proper function and health of the knees is required to perform most everyday activities.
The knee is made up of the lower end of the femur (thighbone), the patella (kneecap), and the upper end of the tibia (shinbone). Articular cartilage, which is a smooth substance that protects the bones and allows them to move freely, covers the ends of the three bones and acts as the main “shock-absorber”.
Between the femur and the tibia are two C-shaped cushioning wedges known as the menisci that act as the secondary “shock absorbers.” Large ligaments (tough bands of tissues) help hold the femur and the tibia together in order to stabilize the joint by preventing excessive movement. The lining joint is covered by the synovial membrane, which is a thin lining that releases fluid that lubricates the cartilage, reducing the friction within the knee joint and providing nutrition to the cartilage. All of these components work together to facilitate proper function of the knee.
There are four primary ligaments in the knee that act like strong ropes to hold the bones together in order to keep the knee stable. They are medial and lateral collateral ligaments and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. The collateral ligaments are found on the sides of your knee and are responsible for controlling the sideways motion of the knee and brace it against unusual movement.
The cruciate ligaments are found inside your knee joint where they form an “X” with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in front and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in back. They are responsible for controlling the forward to backward motion of the knee. The ACL runs diagonally in the middle of the knee and prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur as well as provides rotational stability for the knee.
What Causes an ACL Injury?
An ACL injury occurs when the knee is sharply twisted or extended beyond it’s normal range of motion. 70% of ACL tears occur as a result of sport participation with a majority of them occurring in individuals between the ages of 15 to 45. The ACL is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee with 70% of ACL injuries being noncontact – sudden change in direction with a planted foot or rapidly stopping. Female athletes are two to eight times more likely to suffer an ACL injury than male athletes and athletes who suffer an ACL injury are at an increased risk of tearing or injuring the other ACL. High risk sports include basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, and skiing.
ACL Tear Symptoms:
- Hearing or feeling a “pop” at the time of injury
- Severe pain, difficulty walking, and an inability to continue activity immediately after the injury
- Immediate onset of swelling around the knee joint that worsens for hours after the injury occurs
- A feeling of instability and bucking (“giving way”) in the knee with weight bearing
- A limited or restricted range of motion.
This pain can be very severe; therefore most individuals who injure their ACL seek immediate medical attention soon after an injury occurs, especially if they hope to return to sport/activity soon. However, if ignored, the swelling and pain may resolve on its own. The knee may feel fairly normal with daily activities, but the knee will usually feel very unstable when returning to sport. Returning to sports following an ACL injury runs the risk and the risk of causing further damage to the meniscus of the knee.
How is ACL Injury Diagnosed?
An ACL injury is typically well diagnosed with a combination of patient history, physical examination, as well as imaging studies. The physician will examine the knee to assess the range of motion, stability, swelling, tenderness, and overall strength and compare that to the uninjured knee. Often the diagnosis can be made on the basis of physical exam alone, especially if there is a complete rupture of the ACL, however, the physician will usually order X-rays to rule out any additional damage and may order an MRI scan to determine the extent of the damage.
ACL Ligament Injury Treatments:
Treatment for an ACL injury or tear will vary depending on the individual based on the severity of the damage, age, and the level of activity they wish to resume. Younger athletes involved in agility-based sports will most likely require a surgery to safely return to the same level of sports, whereas older, less active individuals may be able to return to a less active lifestyle without the need for surgery.
Since an injury to the ACL is considered to be a sprain, the immediate treatment for an ACL injury is the self-care RICE approach:
Rest – Walking will be painful, so it’s best to avoid putting pressure on the injured knee and limiting activity while inflammation persists.
Ice – Ice should be applied for the first 48 to 72 hours or until the swelling subsides for 10 to 20 minutes no more than once per hour. Use of a barrier, such as a towel, is strongly advised to protect your skin. Heat should be avoided while inflammation is developing; once the swelling goes down, heat can help soothe the pain.
Compression -– Using a compressing wrap can help significantly decrease swelling. Ensure that the wrap is snug; however, if there is numbness, tingling, or swelling above or below the wrap, it’s probably on too tight and needs to be loosened.
Elevation—Raising the knee above the heart level for a few hours a day can greatly decrease swelling.
Once the initial swelling goes down with the help of the RICE approach, the patient and the physician must decide on the proper treatment plan. A torn ACL will not heal without surgery; however, non-operative treatments may be adequate for older patients who have very low-level activity. These treatments may include a brace placed on the knee to provide stability or crutches to keep weight off the affected knee or a physical therapy program where the physical therapist will provide specific exercises to restore function to the knee and strengthen the surrounding muscles that support it.
ACL Injury Surgery Options
The operative process to address an ACL tear requires a rebuilding of the ligament. A torn ACL can’t be successfully sutured or sewn back together, so the ligament is usually replaced with a piece of tendon harvested from another source. Two types of ACL reconstructions are performed – Autograft Reconstruction and Allograft Reconstruction.
Small incisions are made around the joint, where surgical instruments and the arthroscope (a small camera) will be inserted. The image will be sent to a video monitor, allowing the physician to see inside the joint. Using surgical instruments, the torn ACL is completely removed. The next step is preparing and inserting the graft.
Several factors influence which surgical approach is best for you, including your age, activity level, the severity of the tear, and the condition of your tendons. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss these factors with you and recommend the most suitable option for your case.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Arthroscopic surgery is the standard approach for ACL reconstruction. It involves making small incisions and using a tiny camera to guide instrument placement for minimal tissue disruption and faster recovery.
- Meniscus Repair: Often, ACL tears occur alongside meniscus tears, the cartilage cushioning the knee joint. During ACL reconstruction, your surgeon may address meniscus tears to improve knee function.
ACL reconstruction surgery is a major procedure, but most patients regain excellent knee stability and function with proper rehabilitation. Consulting with a skilled orthopedic surgeon experienced in ACL reconstruction is crucial for a successful outcome.
Post OP Recovery
Regardless of the treatment approach, patients go through a rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy exercises crucial to strengthening leg muscles and regaining knee strength and motion. Each patient is unique so that the therapy program will vary based on his/her level of pain, extent of injury, and desired activity level. For patients who have undergone surgery, physical therapy occurs in phases:
Phase 1: Range of Motion – This phase will first focus on returning motion to the joint and the surrounding muscles. This phase starts right after surgery and lasts approximately six weeks.
Phase 2: Strengthening – This phase protects the new ligament and beings after the first phase. Low-impact cardio exercises such as an elliptical trainer or a stair-stepper can be started around eight weeks, with weight training starting two to three months post-operation, but only under the guidance of a physical therapist.
Phase 3: Sport-Specific Exercises – In this phase, the physical therapist will work with the individual to develop a tailored rehabilitation program to prepare to return to the desired sport or level of activity. Running is typically allowed between three and six months, with activities requiring pivoting and twisting at four to nine months.
Phase 4: Return to Sport – The final phase involves a return to sport with significant supervision and usually occurs between six to 12 months.
A note from Impact Orthopedic Center :
Typically, most patients return to normal day-to-day activities within three to four months; however, athletic activities and the return of strength can take up to a year; this is something to discuss with your orthopedic surgeon and the physical therapist.
Ultimately, the surgeon and physical therapist will work together to determine the safest time for the individual to return to their choice of sports. Careful consideration will be used to get the individual back to their chosen lifestyle while minimizing the risk of a re-tear of the ACL.
If you have any of these symptoms and a sports person, do not ignore these symptoms and consult with a orthopedic/sports medicine doctor if the RICE methods didn’t work and you are still in discomfort and pain after two weeks. We have the Best Sports Medicine doctor in Hyderabad. Book your consultation today with our expert sports medicine doctors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The ACL ligament doesn’t have a blood supply like other tissues in the body. This means the ACL cannot self-heal after injury. Hence, surgery might be necessary for certain ACL injuries to achieve the best recovery.
Due to its nature and risks (infection and complications), ACL ligament tear surgery is considered a serious treatment requiring careful preoperative examination and post-operative care.
Despite its seriousness, ACL tear surgery is often needed to fix the knee, stop further injury, and help to get back to normal activities after proper recovery. This indicates the significance of making wise choices and getting complete support during the surgical process.
Without having surgery, preventive methods like physical therapy, strengthening, and lifestyle changes may help control ACL tear knee injuries and improve knee stability.
Depending on the size and type of damage, non-surgical methods can help some people recover effectively, reduce symptoms, and strengthen the muscles around the injured area. But not all ACL injuries can be fully recovered without surgery.
Yes, walking is usually advised soon after ACL surgery to help early knee joint recovery, avoid stiffness, and increase blood circulation.
Walking sticks or a brace may help with walking at first, but gradually increasing lifting weights under a doctor’s supervision helps with flexibility repair and healing, allowing a move into more active recovery along with returning to regular activities.
Yes, it is usually possible to bend the knee with an ACL tear, but, depending on the severity of the damage, there may be instability, discomfort, and a limited range of motion.
While bending the knee can be difficult or uncomfortable, working with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles around it and improve joint stability can help control symptoms, recover functionality, and prepare for future treatment options such as gentle therapy or surgery.
Frequent times that give way, long-term knee instability, and a greater chance of further injury to the knee joint parts can fail to repair the ACL.
Untreated ACL injuries may also cause joint damage, reduce physical function, and limit everyday activities and sports participation. This article focuses on the importance of early examination and treatment to avoid future problems.
After ACL surgery, walking usually starts a day or two later, helped by walkers or a brace to support the knee and promote early mobility.
ACL surgery recovery times may differ based on a patient’s particular situation and the type of surgery used, but early walking under a doctor’s supervision supports flow, reduces stiffness, and begins the process of recovery for the best possible result and works the process.