ACL Tears & Injuries
A severe knee injury affecting your stability and mobility
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four key ligaments in the knee responsible for stabilising the joint. The ACL prevents the tibia (shinbone) from sliding out in front of the femur (thighbone), ensuring proper knee movement and joint stability. Running diagonally through the knee from the tibia to the femur, the ACL plays a critical role in flexion, extension, and overall knee function.
An ACL injury occurs when this ligament is overstretched or torn, often resulting from a sudden pivot, awkward landing, or trauma to the knee. This injury is commonly seen in athletes, but can affect anyone involved in activities that place stress on the knee joint.
WHAT CAUSES AN ACL TEAR?
ACL injuries occur when the ligament is stretched beyond its normal range, causing partial or complete tears. Common causes include:
- Sudden changes in direction, such as pivoting or cutting, which are frequent in sports like basketball, football, and soccer.
- Landing awkwardly from a jump, placing excessive stress on the knee.
- Direct blows to the knee, often seen in contact sports like football and hockey.
- Sudden stopping or deceleration, which can lead to strain on the ligament.
These injuries are often accompanied by a distinct “popping” sound, followed by immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.
WHO IS AT RISK OF AN ACL INJURY?
While anyone can experience an ACL injury, certain factors increase the likelihood of occurrence:
- Athletes, especially those participating in high-impact sports such as basketball, football, soccer, and skiing.
- Women are statistically more prone to ACL injuries than men, likely due to differences in anatomy, hormonal influences, and muscle strength.
- Improper footwear or sports equipment, such as poorly fitted boots or malfunctioning ski bindings, can increase the risk.
- Playing on artificial turf, which has been linked to higher rates of ACL injuries compared to natural grass
SYMPTOMS OF AN ACL INJURY
If you’ve injured your ACL, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- A loud “pop” sound at the time of the injury.
- Severe pain that makes it difficult to continue with activity.
- Swelling within a few hours of the injury.
- Instability or the sensation that the knee is “giving way.”
- Limited range of motion due to pain and swelling.
Prompt assessment by an orthopaedic surgeon is crucial for and ACL tear or injury to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.
DIAGNOSIS AND IMAGING OF ACL TEARS AND INJURIES
Diagnosing an ACL injury typically begins with a thorough physical examination. Dr Liddell will evaluate your knee by checking for tenderness, swelling, and signs of instability, as well as assessing your range of motion. Specialised tests, like the Lachman test or pivot shift test, may be performed to assess the stability of your knee, as these can help identify potential ACL tears without immediate imaging.
Imaging studies are often recommended to confirm the diagnosis and gain a detailed understanding of the injury. X-rays may be used to rule out fractures or other bone-related issues. For a comprehensive view, an MRI is usually the preferred imaging technique, as it provides a clear view of the ACL and surrounding structures, including the meniscus, cartilage, and other soft tissues that may also be affected. MRI results allow Dr Liddell to evaluate the injury’s severity, which is crucial for planning an effective treatment strategy and determining whether surgical intervention may be beneficial.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ACL INJURIES
The appropriate treatment for an ACL injury depends on the severity of the tear, the patient’s activity level, and long-term goals.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Mild or partial tears that do not cause knee instability may be managed without surgery.
For those types of ACL injuries, Dr Liddell may recommend:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE) therapy to reduce pain and swelling.
- Bracing to stabilise the knee during recovery.
- Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation.
Surgical Treatments
Complete ACL tears usually require ACL Reconstruction Surgery, especially for athletes or individuals who lead an active lifestyle. Surgery involves reconstructing the torn ligament with a graft, either from the patient’s own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). Dr Liddell performs arthroscopic ACL surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that allows for faster recovery and reduced scarring.
The goal of ACL surgery is to restore knee stability, function, and strength, allowing patients to return to their normal activities. LEARN MORE
PREVENTING ACL INJURIES
ACL injuries can often be prevented through:
- Strengthening exercises focusing on the lower body, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings.
- Balance and proprioception training, which helps improve joint stability.
- Warm-up routines that include stretching and agility exercises.
- Wearing proper footwear and using well-maintained sports equipment.
Dr Antony Liddell is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in ACL injuries. Whether you require conservative treatment or surgical intervention, Dr Liddell will work closely with you to ensure you receive the best possible care for a successful recovery.