ACL Tears
The ACL is in the center of the knee.
It connects the anterior (front) tibia to the posterior (back) femur and is responsible for stability of the knee
Causes
Many ACL injuries occur during sports activities. Changing direction rapidly or landing incorrectly can cause the tear.Signs and Symptoms
Often when someone injures the ACL, it is accompanied by a "popping" noise and the feeling of the knee giving way out from under the body.
Other common signs and symptoms include:
• Pain with swelling
• Loss of full range of motion
• Tenderness along the joint line
• Discomfort while walking
Diagnosis
During your visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. During the physical examination, he or she will compare the appearance and feeling of your injured knee to your non-injured knee. Most ligament injuries can be diagnosed with a thorough physical exam, but your doctor may also take some x-rays or MRI to rule out other problems or get a more detailed look at the joint.
Treatment
Depending on a variety of factors, treatment may be surgical or non-surgical. Nonsurgical treatment includes physical therapy and rehabilitation, restorative therapies intended to bring the knee back as close as possible to its pre-injury state. Surgical repair utilizes a substitute graft made of tendon to close the tear.
When to See a Doctor
If you injured your knee forcefully, or experience any of the following along with knee pain, make an appointment to see your physician:
Swelling or redness
Pain or tenderness with warmth around the joint
Significant and regular knee pain
Fever
When to Seek Immediate Care
Go straight to urgent care or the emergency room if you experience any of the following:
Your knee appears deformed or kneecap feels out of place
You hear a popping noise at the time of your injury
You are unable to bear weight on the injured knee
You experience intense pain You have sudden swelling
