ACL Rupture

An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) rupture refers to a complete tear of the ACL, one of the major ligaments in the knee. This injury is common in sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or jumping, such as soccer, basketball, and skiing. Here’s an overview of the key aspects:

Symptoms

– Sudden pain in the knee at the time of injury.
– A popping sound may be heard or felt.
– Swelling within a few hours of the injury.

– nstability or the feeling that the knee is “giving out”, especially when bearing weight.
– Limited range of motion due to pain and swelling.

Diagnosis

– Physical examination using specific tests like the Lachman test or pivot-shift test to assess the integrity of the ACL.

– MRI scans to confirm the extent of the injury and check for damage to other knee structures, such as the meniscus or other ligaments.

Treatment

– Non-surgical treatment: Sometimes appropriate for less active individuals or partial tears, includes physical therapy, bracing, and rehabilitation to strengthen the knee.

– Surgical treatment: ACL reconstruction surgery is typically recommended for athletes or individuals who want to return to high-demand activities. The procedure involves grafting tissue (often from the hamstring or patellar tendon) to replace the torn ACL.

Rehabilitation

– Recovery from ACL surgery can take 6 to 12 months, involving a progressive rehabilitation program to restore strength, range of motion, and stability in the knee.

– Physical therapy focuses on strengthening surrounding muscles (quads, hamstrings) and gradually reintroducing sports-specific movements.

Preventive measures, especially for athletes, include training programs focused on improving knee strength, balance, and agility, which can reduce the risk of ACL injuries.

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