The anterior cruciate ligament, more commonly known as the ACL, is the ligament responsible for keeping the shin bone (tibia) from slipping out in front of the femur or thigh bone. An injury to the ACL occurs when there is an abrupt pivot in direction or a forceful, sudden impact to the knee. ACL tears can happen to anyone at any age, but they do occur more frequently in females, as their body design places more force on their knees. ACL tears are a common worry for some athletes and very painful when they happen. At Orthopedic Specialty Institute, the doctors and staff are here to help.
Signs of a torn ACL
Almost all patients report hearing or feeling a loud pop at the moment the ACL is torn. The ACL is an immensely strong ligament, and when it tears, it creates a pop that is hard to miss. (Think of a rubber band stretched taut and suddenly breaking.) The tear is followed by pain, which can occur up to 48 hours later, and tenderness plus swelling in the middle of the injured knee. If you are experiencing knee pain and are not sure why, have it looked at by a doctor. With a torn ACL, patients are unable to twist and turn the knee. Occasionally damage to the ACL creates a partial tear where the ligament is not completely separated. It is very important to determine whether you have a complete or partial tear, as the treatment for a partial tear can vary from bracing to surgery.
An injury to the ACL can be confused with an injury to the meniscus. Damage to the meniscus is another common injury of the knee. The meniscus is the cartilage that provides cushion to the knee. It can be torn when a sudden rotation to the knee occurs. The symptoms of a torn meniscus include tenderness on the inside or outside of the knee; the knee feels like it is grinding, or crunching when moved, and stiffness. Patients also report swelling and pain upon kneeling or bending of the joint.
What should I do if I think my ACL is torn?
If you believe you have torn your ACL, it’s very important to stay off the injured leg and keep it elevated. Apply ice packs to help reduce swelling. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs will also help to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Please seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Can a torn ACL be repaired?
Unfortunately, a complete tear of the ACL requires surgery to get the ligament back to its original state.. For people who lead active lifestyles, athletes and fitness enthusiasts, surgery is the only option. Without surgery, the symptoms experienced will subside, but the ligament will never reattach or grow back, leaving the knee susceptible to further injury and a limited range of motion. The decision to have surgery will be made upon consultation with your doctor; however, ACL reconstruction is typically minimally invasive!. ACL reconstruction involves removing the damaged ligament and replacing it with a tendon graft. In certain instances, a partial tear will heal without surgery, but it is dependent on the doctor’s assessment of the injury combined with the position of the tear and the person’s activity level.
If you experience a torn ACL, avoid further damage to your knee and schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have your injury examined by a physician specializing in joint injuries. Orthopedic Specialty Institute is a phone call away at 954-866-9699, and we now offer same-day appointments.