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HOMEPAGE |
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| KNEE | SHOULDER | FOOT and ANKLE | BACK and NECK | ELBOW and WRIST | HIP and PELVIS | COMPLETE INDEX |
Diagnosis |
ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT TEAR |
| Definition | Partial or complete rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Model and X-ray of a Normal Knee |
| Details | Located in the center of the knee, the ACL is a strong band of tissue that prevents the shin bone (tibia) from
extending excessively beyond the thigh bone (femur). ACL injuries are common and usually sports-related—especially
associated with basketball, football and skiing. Arthroscopic Picture of Normal and Torn ACL |
| Causes | An ACL injury may result from a violent, twisting motion of the knee, which can occur when an athlete plants his
or her foot and suddenly changes direction. The ACL can also tear if the knee is 'hyperextended' (bent backwards). |
| Diagnosis | Patients with ACL tears usually describe a twisting or hyperextension of the knee. The patient may also feel a
"popping" in the knee that is associated with immediate swelling. Your doctor will then attempt to elicit
the instability that is characteristic of ACL tears by using the Lachman
test. X-rays are done to rule out fractures, and occasionally, an MRI is needed to confirm the diagnosis or evaluate the knee for meniscus tears. MRI of Normal and Torn ACL |
| Treatment | Nonoperative: Indicated for patients with limited activity goals or with partial ACL tears. Nonoperative
treatment consists of a physical therapy program designed to initially control pain and inflammation. This form
of treat also aims to increase the range of motion and strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles. Sport-specific
drills in later treatment stages help restore balance and coordination. Finally, use of a brace when resuming sports-related
activities may be prescribed. Pyramid of Leg Power Program Operative: Indicated for patients who have giving way of the knee during activities of daily living or for patients who wish to return to cutting and twisting type sports. Surgical reconstruction of the ACL typically involves using a graft of tissue from around your knee (autograft) followed by many months of post operative rehabilitation. Allografts--which involve using tissue from cadavers--are also a viable, and increasingly popular, graft option. Many important choices must be made when having ACL surgery; consult your doctor to learn more about surgical options. ACL Surgery: Incisions and Autograft Preparation Arthroscopic Picture of ACL Graft |
| Prevention |
Maintaining excellent flexibility, strength and endurance of your leg muscles may prevent some ACL tears. copyright www.emedx.com |
