What is an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a cruciate ligament which is one of the four major ligaments of the human knee. For sports fans and athletes at any level, the phrase “ACL Injury” can wreak fear in your heart. This kind of injury can mean the end of the season if not someone’s entire athletic career, often resulting in the need for knee surgery. Why is this injury such a terrible sentence ?

The ACL, or Anterior Cruciate Ligament, is just one component in a complex system that allows your knee to function properly. The ACL is located inside the knee joint, behind the kneecap, and keeps the shin bone from moving out of place. This ligament is the source of the knee’s stability. The ACL can be injured in a number of ways. An unstable landing on a locked knee, changing direction too rapidly during a run, hyperextending the knee, a bad knee twist or being the recipient of a brutal hit are common causes. Statistically, more female than male athletes suffer an ACL injury, and athletes over 35 also frequently find themselves undergoing knee surgery to repair this issue since the ligaments are more worn than in their younger counterparts.

Doing excellent skiing conditions activities, soccer, baseball, and also other large effect activities significantly will increase the prospect of suffering a good ACL damage. Your ligament may be divided, overstretched, or perhaps ruptured of these actions. Sufferers generally document a new “popping” seem accompanied by a new vulnerable or perhaps unpredictable feeling in the leg along with significant swelling.

Many athletes suffering an ACL tear must undergo knee surgery. The ACL does not have a blood supply and it cannot heal on its own so an orthopaedic surgeon must intervene in the case of severe damage. Quite often a complicated system of grafts must be used to reconstruct the ACL, which is typically done arthroscopically, or by way of a small incision. After surgery, extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation is required for the patient to increase strength in not only the ligament but also the other major muscles in the leg. Rebuilding the muscles, regaining strength and stability, and relearning to trust in the knee joint can be a lengthy process lasting beyond several months.

If you are an athlete who suspects you have an ACL or other knee injury, do NOT continue to play. Apply ice immediately and consult an orthopaedic surgeon to determine what options are appropriate for your situation.

Dr. Carl Wierks, Holland Bone & Joint Center, treats knee pain in athletes including Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction, lateral meniscus repair and tendon damage. 616.738.4420 or visit http://hollandboneandjoint.com for treatment worth the travel!

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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