ACL Tear
What is an ACL Tear?
There are four primary ligaments in the knee that connect the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). One of them is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), located in the middle of the knee. The ACL keeps the tibia in place and provides stability for the knee to rotate. If the ACL is damaged it may tear partially or completely and cause pain and mobility issues.
What Causes an ACL Tear?
An ACL Tear may be caused by:
- Playing certain sports like basketball, football, soccer, or skiing,
- Slowing down while also changing directions
- Pivoting
- Sidestepping
- Landing awkwardly
ACL Tear Symptoms
Symptoms of an ACL tear may include:
- Knee pain and swelling immediately after the injury occurs
- A sensation that the knee is unstable
- Limited range of motion
- Tenderness along the joint
- Feeling uncomfortable while walking
ACL Tear Diagnosis
Our knee specialists can determine if your knee pain is caused by an ACL tear. Your doctor will take your medical history and conduct a physical examination, including checking for tenderness and swelling and comparing your injured knee with your uninjured knee. Your doctor will also move your knee around in a variety of positions to check your range of motion and knee function. Your doctor may order imaging tests to verify whether the ACL has been torn as well as to understand the severity of the tear, such as X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound.
ACL Tear Treatment
Our knee specialists can develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Your doctor may recommend:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Use of a hinged knee brace
- Physical therapy
- Surgery, if necessary
Your doctor may recommend surgery if you are an athlete and wish to return to playing your sport, more than one ligament is damaged as well as cartilage in the knee, or if your injury is severe enough that the knee buckles during everyday activities.