Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear

The Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a supportive ligament located within the knee joint. It stops the shin bone (tibia) sliding forward on the thigh bone (femur).

Causes

ACL injuries can be the result of contact and non-contact sports. Often they are from non-contact sports that involve sidestepping (cutting), jumping and landing, and deceleration (quickly stopping). Soccer would be a good example of a sport that involves these movements with high amounts of ACL injuries.

Symptoms

When the ACL is torn an audible ‘pop’ can often be heard. This is the ligament tearing. Pain and swelling within the knee occur soon after the injury. The knee can become very swollen. It will be difficult to walk or put weight through the leg. The ACL ligament can be fully torn (complete tear) or partially torn.

Treatment

Treatment may surgical or non-surgical. In the non-surgical approach, rehabilitation exercises are the primary treatment.