ACL Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
By a href="https://www.joionline.net/physicians/bio/carlos_r-_tandron_md/">Carlos Tandron, MD
Understanding ACL Injuries: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to joionline.net. Our aim is to provide a well-rounded understanding of ACL injuries, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. ACL injuries, often referred to as ACL tears, are common in sports and physical activities.
The Anatomy of the Knee and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Understanding ACL injuries requires knowledge of the knee’s anatomy. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of four key ligaments that stabilize the knee, is crucial to this understanding. This ligament, located at the knee’s center, connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone), controlling the knee’s rotation and preventing the tibia from moving excessively forward. A torn ACL can cause significant instability and pain.
The ACL is made up of the anteromedial bundle (AMB) and the posterolateral bundle (PLB), both working in unison to provide stability, particularly during physical activities such as running or jumping.
ACL Injuries
Common Causes of ACL Tears
ACL injuries, or ACL tears, are often linked to sports activities that involve abrupt stops, quick direction changes, or jumping. Sports such as basketball, soccer, football, skiing, and gymnastics pose a higher risk of ACL injuries due to the repetitive stress these activities place on the knee joint.
Besides sports-related injuries, an ACL tear can also result from traumatic incidents or accidents like car crashes or falls. These sudden, powerful impacts on the knee joint can cause immediate ligament damage, necessitating medical intervention.
Identifying ACL Injuries: Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of an ACL injury is crucial for timely medical intervention. Symptoms of an ACL tear typically include pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. Pain intensity can range from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain. Swelling often accompanies bruising around the knee, resulting in a visibly larger knee. At times, athletes describe a “pop” in their knee and if feels like it gives out on them.
Diagnosing ACL Injuries and ACL Tears
Diagnosing an ACL injury or a torn ACL typically involves a physical examination by a doctor and imaging tests. During the physical examination, the doctor assesses knee motion range, checks for tenderness, and performs specific tests like the Lachman test, anterior drawer test, and pivot-shift test to evaluate knee joint stability. In most cases your physician would order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
ACL Surgery at JOI
Treatment Options for ACL Injuries: From Physical Therapy to ACL Surgery
Treatment for ACL injuries, including ACL tear, varies based on the injury’s severity and individual circumstances. Non-surgical treatments, such asphysical therapyand bracing, can be effective for some patients.
For severe ACL injuries or when non-surgical treatments fail, surgical options may be considered. These include ACL ligament surgery, ACL replacement surgery, and ACL rupture surgery. ACL reconstruction, a common type of ACL surgery, replaces the damaged ligament with a graft from the patient’s body or a donor. This procedure, also known as ACL reconstruction surgery, restores stability, improves function, and reduces the risk of future knee problems.
Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute
At JOI Online, our team of orthopedic specialists offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans for ACL injuries, including ACL reconstruction surgery. Whether you have a mild ACL tear or a complete rupture, we’re here to guide you through the recovery process and help you regain knee strength and mobility.
Related Links: matrix associated chondrocyte implantation, knee surgery at JOI, and Shoulder Injuries.
Dr. Carlos Tandron
Dr. Tandron is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and subspecialty certified in Sports Medicine. Dr. Tandron is a founding member of the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute and is former Head Team Physician for the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars. He is the Team Physician for Bishop Kenny High School, The Episcopal School, Bishop Snyder High School, Florida State College of Jacksonville and Jacksonville University.
To schedule an appointment, you can call 904-JOI-2000 or schedule online by clicking below.