Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
ACL injuries are a common knee injury, particularly among athletes who engage in pivoting sports like football, rugby, netball, basketball, or skiing.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries and Treatment
If you’ve experienced an ACL injury, you’re not alone. ACL injuries are a common knee injury, particularly among athletes who engage in pivoting sports like football, rugby, netball, basketball, or skiing. Fortunately, many ACL injuries can be effectively treated, and return to your pre-injury level is the goal.
What is the ACL?
The ACL is a ligament that runs diagonally through the centre of the knee, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It plays a crucial role in stabilising the knee and preventing excessive twisting and forward movement of the tibia.
What causes an ACL injury?
ACL injuries are often the result of sudden stops, pivots, or twists of the knee during athletic activities. Common causes of ACL injuries include:
- Direct impact to the knee, such as a collision, tackle or fall.
- Sudden stops or changes in direction.
- Twisting the knee while the foot is planted on the ground.
- Landing awkwardly from a jump.
What are the symptoms of an ACL injury?
If you’ve injured your ACL, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- A popping sound or sensation in the knee.
- Severe pain and swelling.
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.
- Instability or giving way of the knee.
- Limited range of motion.
How is an ACL injury treated?
The treatment for an ACL injury depends on the severity of the injury and the individual patient’s needs and goals. In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy with or without bracing may be effective. However, for many patients, surgical reconstruction is the best option.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft, usually a tendon taken from close to the knee. The surgery is typically performed using arthroscopic (key-hole) techniques, which involve making small incisions in the knee and using specialized instruments to perform the surgery. At the same time, injures to the meniscus or other structures round the knee can be treated.
Recovery from ACL reconstruction surgery takes 9-12 months and requires a dedicated rehabilitation program. You will need to fully engage with your physiotherapist for postoperative care and rehabilitation exercises to help you regain strength, stability, and range of motion in your knee, and to allow the ACL graft to fully heal before returning to sport. There is a significantly higher rate of re- injury in patients who do not engage with their physiotherapist.
If you think you may have experienced an ACL injury, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can return to your favourite activities and sports with confidence. Contact us today to book a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
