Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury What is it? An anterior cruciate ligament or ‘ACL’ injury refers to a tear in one of the ligaments inside the knee joint. There are four ligaments that provide stability to the knee; the anterior cruciate ligament passes through the centre of the knee from front to back. How does it happen? The ACL is most commonly injured when the knee is twisted. This can occur when landing from a jump, pivoting or decelerating suddenly. The ACL may also be torn when another player falls across our knee, bending it in the wrong direction. How does it feel? When the ACL is torn, there is often an audible ‘pop’, ‘crack’ or feeling of something going out and then going back in. When the ACL is completely torn, you may experience extreme pain for the first few minutes after the injury. Even though the pain may subside quickly, you will usually be unable to continue participating because the knee may feel ‘unstable’ or collapse when you try to run and twist on the knee. Following injury your knee may swell up. This may occur quickly or overnight. What should you do? To limit the severity of the symptoms it is advised that you stop your activity immediately and start initial treatment. Swelling is a necessary step in the healing process, however, too much swelling can delay healing and cause further tissue damage. To control the amount of swelling the RICE regime should be commenced. Rest involves ceasing your activity or sport; ice should be applied to the injured site for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours. Compression involved the application of a firm elastic bandage around the knee. Elevation involves lying with our knee resting comfortably on a chair or pillows so that it is above the level of our heart. If you think you may have damaged your ACL you should consult a physiotherapist immediately.
Physio Professionals (07) 5438 9111
www.physioprofessionals.com.au
1
How is it managed? The assistance of a physiotherapist is important in the treatment of an ACL injury. Initially they can assist in confirming the diagnosis. Sometimes other structures in your knee are damaged at the same time as your ACL, and your physiotherapist will be able to determine this. This may require the use of imaging techniques such as an x-ray, CT scan or MRI, and referral to a knee specialist. Surgery is usually required to repair or ‘reconstruct’ the ACL. The knee cannot function very well without this ligament and the ACL cannot heal by itself. Your physiotherapist will explain to you what is involved with the surgery and the rehabilitation process. Your physiotherapist will be able to assist in reducing your swelling and pain, improve your joint flexibility, and strengthen the muscles supporting the knee joint prior to surgery. How long will it take to get better? Following surgery rehabilitation for this injury takes from 6 months up to a year. Rehabilitation involves performing a program of exercises, and seeing a physiotherapist on a regular basis. Rehabilitation may be prolonged if; at the time of your injury you also injured surrounding structures. Other structures that may be injured could include the menisci, the medial collateral ligament, or cartilage lining the joint surfaces. It may be 12 months before you can return to full contact sport. What can I do now that I’m receiving treatment? In the acute stage it is important to get rid of swelling that has arisen in the knee joint because of the injury. This will involve regular icing, compression, elevation and rest, and avoidance of hot showers, heat rubs, and alcohol. Your physiotherapist will give you some exercises to start strengthening the muscles around your knee, and get your knee moving. Any exercises your physiotherapist has given you should be performed at home regularly.
Physio Professionals (07) 5438 9111
www.physioprofessionals.com.au
2
Physio Professionals (07) 5438 9111
www.physioprofessionals.com.au
3