ACL Injury - The Comprehensive Guide to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear & Sprain!

An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is a common occurrence, especially among athletes who are engaged in high-impact sports. The risk of ACL injury increases in sports like football and netball that involve rapid acceleration, deceleration, pivoting, change-of-direction running, and jump landing.

In the following year, approximately 20 million participants took part in such sports worldwide and re-tear rates were up to 20%. After ACL reconstruction, return-to-play rates are lower for females than males under 25 years of age (39% versus 52%) and 26-35 years of age (18% versus 36%).

To learn about in-depth of ACL injuries, the following comprehensive guide offers valuable insights to assist you in navigating the complexities of anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

ACL Injury (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)

To understand more about ACL injuries, let's briefly examine knee anatomy. The knee is the largest joint in the human body, one of the most complex and highly susceptible to common knee injuries. This joint is formed by three bones; the Femur (Thigh bone), the Tibia (Shin bone), and the Patella (knee cap). The knee also has Ligaments, Meniscus, Collateral ligaments, Bursae, and Articular cartilage.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee joint that helps keep the knee stable. The ACL is placed in the center of the knee and connects the bottom of the thighbone (femur) to the top of the shinbone (tibia). An ACL injury occurs when the ligament in the knee is damaged.

ACL is like a strap that connects bones and prevents the knee from bending or rotating too much. Anything that puts enough force on a knee to bend or twist it farther than its natural limit can injure or tear your ACL. This ACL knee injury is divided into three grades and varies from a mild sprain to a major complete tear.

Grade 1 - Minor Tear

Grade 2 - Partial Tear

Grade 3 - Complete Tear

ACL Injury Causes:

More athletic activity is the main reason to occur ACL injuries, however, there are also non-contact. The following are the causes of ACL Injury:

-??ACL Knee injuries are caused by sudden stops, sudden changes in direction, or direct impact to the knee during sports or activities.

-??A direct blow to the knee like a car accident or a fall from stairs might cause an ACL tear injury.

-??In case of hyper-extending the knee joint beyond its normal capacity, d especially during gymnastics and dancing.

ACL Injury Symptoms:

Here are the symptoms of an ACL injury that should not be overlooked and should be treated promptly.

- Sudden and severe pain in the knee.

- Knee swelling and discomfort.

- A feeling of instability.

- A popping sensation at the time of injury.

- Limited or loss of motion in the knee

ACL Injury Diagnosis:

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries require professional medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. ACL tears are diagnosed by a healthcare provider through a physical exam and certain testing. They will question you about your symptoms and examine your knee.

Your healthcare professional may use your leg and knee to perform various motions. These tests may be uncomfortable, but they help doctors make better diagnoses. Inform your doctor if any posture or motion hurts or worsens your symptoms. The following are Few Imaging Tests done to diagnose ACL injury:

- X-RAY

- CT Scan

- MRI

ACL Injury Treatment:

Treatment for an ACL injury (anterior cruciate ligament) depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the individual's activity level, and their overall health. Here are some common approaches taken to treat ACL injuries.

- Follow the RICE method to treat mild ACL sprain and tear; Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

- Over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol or store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or store brand)

- Most partial tears can be treated with bracing and physical therapy (PT). A person might need to use crutches as the tear heals.

- In severe cases of ACL injury, a health professional may also recommend ACL knee surgery.

ACL Injury Surgery: When is it Recommended?

A torn ACL cannot heal on its own, but it is possible to live with it (particularly if the tear is minor). However, if you're an athlete or would like to continue physical activity, you'll need surgery to repair your ACL. Most people choose to have ACL reconstruction surgery. ACL surgery is highly required when it is a complete tear

An ACL reconstruction surgery uses a graft. An ACL repair surgery is usually performed arthroscopically. Implants such as suspensory fixation devices, interference screw, suture anchors, and others are inserted through small incisions (cuts). The process is visualized through a tiny camera (called an arthroscope).

After ACL surgery, recovery may take six to twelve months. Following surgery for an ACL repair, you might need to wear a leg/knee brace and crutches.

Summary

To summarize, an ACL injury can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience that necessitates immediate and efficient treatment to aid in recovery. To take proactive measures in controlling and preventing this kind of injury, individuals must be aware of the causes, symptoms, and available treatments. For an accurate diagnosis and effective recovery, seeking competent medical advice is essential. Stay updated with Osteocare Connect to learn more about knee arthroscopy!

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