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Anterior cruciate
ligament injury
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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.
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Most ACL
injuries occur when playing sports such as football, soccer
or basketball
- Forceful twisting of knee
- Sudden stop or change of direction during a sports activity
- Forceful hyperextension of knee while landing from a jump
- Direct impact to the lower
leg
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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.
- 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.
- Knee brace
- A complete tear may be treated with arthroscopic reconstruction
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