Anterior Cruciate Trauma

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The ACL, or the anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the four ligaments that provide stability of the knee. The ACL prevents anterior movement of the tibia off of the femur, as well as hyperextension of the knee, which is a straightening movement that goes beyond the normal range of motion in the joint. By preventing these motions, the ACL provides stability to the knee joint and allows for dynamic motions. Tearing this ligament would in most cases require surgery, and would also take the individual out of sports. A torn anterior cruciate ligament is a second or third degree sprain of the ACL. The ACL arises from the front of the medial femoral condyle and passes through the middle of the knee to attach between the

Doctors will use special test to place stress on the ACL to check the stability of the knee, and to detect a torn ligament. Also, an mri can be used to be one hundred percent sure if the ligament is torn. When it comes to surgery, most doctors and surgeons will decide if the patient needs surgery depending on if activities are performed daily, like sports. If surgery is the path that is taken, a common surgery is called an ACL reconstruction. Surgery isn’t done right away though, the injury needs a couple weeks to cool down so the inflammation and the swelling can be reduced. The ligament is usually not repairable, so the reconstruction will use another tendon or ligament to replace the torn one. After the surgery, there is a risk that infection, persistent instability and pain, stiffness, and difficulty returning to your previous level of activity, could happen. But good news is that 90% of patients do not have these

Studies have shown that women have a difference in neuromuscular control of the extremity. Which means that women and men have different positions of the knee during critical movements like landing, cutting, pivoting, and changing directions. Other theories show that women have different anatomy than men but none of it is proven. There are ways that trainers, coaches, and players have tried to reduce the risk of injury during the sport that is being played. Neuromuscular training has been used as an attempt to reduce the amount of injuries that have been developed. Other methods include stretching thoroughly before participation in any sports that have high risk, strength and condition to build the muscle and flexibility of the knee, plyometric exercises, and agility exercises. All in all, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament is a painful, and long injury to have to suffer and recover from. From the tear itself, to rehab, and the stress of limited movement and weakness, it’s not a fun thing. But if it does happen, surgery isn’t necessary but is recommended, and rehab is the most important time during the