Also Known As:
*Anterior cruciate ligament injury
Description:
* There are two cruciate ligaments in the knee joint that connect the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). They are located inside the knee joint, forming an "X" pattern. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) keeps the joints of the knee stable by preventing the tibia from sliding forwards under the femur. The ACL is the most commonly injured ligament of the knee joint.
Cause:
* Most ACL injuries occur when playing sports such as football, soccer or basketball
1. Forceful twisting of knee
2. Sudden stop or change of direction during a sports activity
3. Forceful hyperextension of knee while landing from a jump
4. Direct impact to the lower leg
Symptoms:
* Feeling a pop at the time of injury
* Pain in the joint of the knee
* Swelling of the knee within a few hours after the injury
* Feeling of instability or a "giving" way of the knee
How The Diagnosis Is made:
* A history of the injury and a physical examination is of the highest
priority. The physical exam includes several tests that check the stability
of the knee joint.
* An x-ray of the knee joint can rule out any other bone injuries
* A MRI scan shows the torn ligament and other combined injuries within the knee
joint
* Arthroscopy
Treatment
* Acute stage-rest until the swelling resolves itself.
* Apply an ice pack and compress the knee joint with an elastic bandage to
reduce the swelling.
1. As the swelling and pain subside, physical therapy should be started to
regain the range of motion and to strengthen the muscles around the knee
joint.
2. Knee brace
3. A complete tear may be treated with arthroscopic reconstruction
No comments:
Post a Comment