cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common **knee** injuries that can affect the normal function of the knee.
The knee consists of three main bones: femur (femur), tibia (tibia) and kneecap (patella). The patella is located in front of the knee joint and plays a protective role. ### Cruciate ligaments
- **Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL):** It is located inside the knee joint and stretches diagonally from front to back.... This ligament prevents the tibia from sliding forward towards the femur and provides rotational stability of the knee.... - **Posterior cruciate ligament (PCB) is located behind the knee and prevents the posterior cruciate ligament.** The movement of the tibia backwards.... This ligament is stronger than It is ACL and less likely to be injured.... What is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury?.. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main ligaments in the knee that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the leg bone (tibia).. Every knee has an anterior cruciate ligament that is located inside the knee along with the posterior cruciate ligament in the knee.. In the back... the ACL acts like a strap that connects the bones of the knee in It goes together and prevents excessive bending or rotation of the knee...Anything that puts a lot of force on the knee and causes it to bend or rotate excessively will cause an ACL injury or tear....cruciate ligament tears are one of the most common injuries, especially among athletes. they do. These grades are a quick way to describe the extent of the injury and range from grade 1 (the least severe) to grade 3 (the most severe). Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament usually occurs as a strain or tear. About half of these injuries are associated with damage to other structures of the knee joint or other bony structures of the knee. Ligament injuries such as sprains are divided into three grades based on severity:
- **Grade 1:** The ligament is slightly damaged and slightly stretched, but still able to maintain stability of the knee joint.... - **Grade 2:** The ligament is stretched to the point where it is loose.... This condition is usually known as a partial tear.... - **Grade 3:** A complete tear of the ligament where the ligament splits into two parts.... If the knee becomes unstable.... A partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament is rare and most injuries ACL occurs as a complete or near complete tear... ### What does a cruciate ligament tear feel like?... Most people who tear their cruciate ligament feel the moment the injury happens... Sports injuries and other injuries that cause a cruciate ligament tear can usually tell exactly when it happened to you.. Mild discomfort if you injure your knee, especially if you hear or feel a popping sound. If you do, be sure to see a doctor ACL injuries and tears are very common.. The ACL is the most commonly injured knee ligament... Experts estimate that between 100,000 and 200,000 people in the United States suffer an ACL tear each year.... Causes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
The anterior cruciate ligament may be injured for the following reasons:
- Sudden change of direction
- Sudden stop
- Slowing down while running
- Improper landing after jump
- a direct hit or kick, such as a tackle in football
Studies have shown that female athletes are more prone to ACL injuries than males in some sports.
This may be for the following reasons:
- Differences in physical fitness, muscle strength and neuromuscular control
- Differences in pelvic structure and lower limb alignment
More laxity of ligaments
- The effect of estrogen hormone on the properties of ligaments
Anterior cruciate ligament injury symptoms
When the ACL is injured, you may experience the following:
- Hearing a "click" or pop in the knee
- Feeling of instability or emptying of the knee
- **Swelling pain:** The knee usually swells within 24 hours.... If this swelling is ignored, it may decrease over time, but returning to sports activities can cause instability of the knee and further damage to the protective cartilage (meniscus)... - Decreased range of motion of the knee
- Sensitivity in the joint line
- Discomfort when walking
### Risk factors for cruciate ligament rupture
Anyone can suffer an ACL tear. These injuries are more common among athletes, especially those who play sports that involve sudden stops, turns, or changes in direction. Some sports that often cause an ACL tear include:
- Football.... - Futsal.... - Basketball.... - Gymnastics.... - Polo.... Complications of cruciate ligament rupture
Injuries that cause an ACL tear may also damage other parts of the knee. During an ACL tear, other ligaments in the knee may also be damaged, including:
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) .... - External collateral ligament (LCL) .... - Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) .... Other injuries that may occur at the same time as an ACL tear include:
- Bone fracture .... - Meniscus tear .... - Muscle strain .... Medical diagnosis
### Physical examination and history
During the first visit, Dr. Homan Kokbi, an orthopedic surgeon and specialist in Tehran, will perform the following procedures:
- Ask about your symptoms and medical history
- Detailed examination of the damaged knee and comparing it with the healthy knee... Most ligament injuries can be diagnosed with a detailed clinical examination.... The doctor diagnoses the ACL tear by performing a physical examination and several tests... The doctor asks about your symptoms and examines your knee... That's okay, let your doctor know that you may need the following tests:
### Imaging tests
The following tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis:
X-ray: This test does not show damage to the cruciate ligament, but it can detect possible bone fractures.. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI provides better images of soft tissues such as the anterior cruciate ligament... Cruciate ligament injury
### How is a cruciate ligament tear treated? Treatments vary depending on the severity of the ACL tear and any other damage to the knee....Avoid exercise or any activity that puts extra stress on the knee....As soon as you notice pain or other symptoms, follow the RICE method:
- **Rest**: Avoid the activity that caused the injury....don't overuse your knee while it's healing....- **Ice**: Place a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a thin towel on the knee for 15 minutes several times a day....- **Compression**: Bandage the knee to reduce knee swelling..above the level of your heart...you have....the doctor will suggest treatments to manage the pain and other symptoms You may need:
- Crutches.... - Knee braces to stabilize the knee.... - Over-the-counter pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen.... - Physical therapy.... Treatment for an ACL tear varies based on the patient's individual needs.... For example:
- A young athlete who participates in dynamic sports will probably need surgery to safely return to sports.... - A person who is less active or the elderly may be able to return to their daily life with non-surgical treatments.... Dr. Homan Kokbi will suggest the best treatment option after carefully examining your condition.... You can contact his office in Tehran to receive expert advice and review appropriate treatment options.... Does it heal spontaneously?... ACL tear to It doesn't heal on its own, but in some cases (especially low-grade tears) it can be lived with.... But if you're an athlete or want to get back into physical activity, you'll need surgery to repair the ACL.. Surgery to repair knee injuries is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.. Knee tear repair.... Ask your surgeon what to expect.... ### How long does it take to heal from a cruciate ligament tear?..
Recovery from cruciate ligament tears usually takes 6-9 months. Professional athletes may need more time to fully recover and return to their sports.. ### How to prevent cruciate ligament tears?.. There may be no way to completely prevent ACL tears, especially for athletes.
- Using proper protective gear.... - If the knee hurts during or after physical activity, don't continue playing.... - Give your body time to rest and recover after heavy activities.... - Warm up and stretch your body before exercise or training.... - Cool down and stretch after exercise.... - Knee and lower body strengthening programs in the off-season can prepare the knee joints for the stresses of the sports season.... To reduce the risk of injury, follow general safety tips:
-Avoid planting your feet and rolling on your knees....this is a common way to injure ACL and meniscus in athletes....-Make sure your home and workplace are free of objects that could cause you or others to fall....-Always use proper tools or equipment to reach objects in the home....Never stand on a chair, table or counter....-If you have trouble walking or are prone to falling or are at risk of falling....Torn Cruciate Ligament
### Is it possible to walk with a torn cruciate ligament? Some people can walk with a torn ACL....but if it hurts to move or use the knee, don't force yourself to move....see a doctor if you have pain or other symptoms of knee damage....More stress on the damaged ACL can make a mild tear worse....### When should I see a doctor?. If you go to the emergency room you have a trauma such as an accident or fall.... Trauma can sometimes cause injuries that you may not notice at first.... ### What questions should I ask my doctor?... - Do I have an ACL tear or other injury?.. - What is the degree of my tear?. - Should I have surgery? - How long should I wait before I can exercise or train again?. - What is the risk of re-rupturing the same ACL in the future? Why should we see an orthopedic specialist? Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament can have a significant impact on your quality of life and daily activities... Early diagnosis and proper treatment by an orthopedic specialist can prevent long-term complications such as knee instability or meniscus damage... For more information and to book a consultation, contact the office of Dr. Homan Kokbi, an orthopedic surgeon and specialist in Tehran.
