Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors start by looking at the injured knee and comparing it to the healthy one. They check for swelling, sore spots, and how well the knee bends or straightens.
The doctor gently moves the knee to see if it feels loose or unstable. They also test the strength of the cruciate ligaments.
During diagnosis, doctors may:
- Note knee pain, swelling, and how the knee feels during movement.
- Check for a feeling of instability or the knee giving way.
- Look for a history of a twisting movement or sports injury.
Sometimes, doctors order more tests to confirm an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and rule out other ligament injuries.
| Test Used | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| X-ray | Shows bone injuries, but not ligaments or tendons |
| MRI | Shows soft tissue problems (like ACL tears or meniscus tears) and how severe the injury is. |
| Ultrasound | Shows damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. |
A clinical examination and these imaging tests help doctors find out if someone has an ACL tear, ACL rupture, or another knee injury. This helps them choose the right treatment for the problem.
Treatment
Restoring Movement and Strength
Early care for an ACL injury often follows the RICE protocol:
- Rest: Keep weight off the injured leg.
- Ice: Apply a cold pack several times daily for about 20 minutes each time to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage or wrap to reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Raise the leg above heart level using pillows.
After swelling and pain go down, a focused rehabilitation program begins. A physical therapist teaches exercises to help regain knee function.
Therapy aims to:
- Decrease pain and swelling
- Improve range of motion
- Build up the muscles around the knee
Braces can provide extra support, especially early in recovery. Some people use crutches to avoid putting weight on the knee until it is safe.
The intensity and length of therapy depend on the injury and activity goals.
People who are less active or play sports with low knee stress may recover with rehabilitation alone. This approach also works for those who do not want surgery or have minor tears.
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen can help manage pain during healing.
Surgical Options to Repair Ligament Damage
Doctors may recommend surgery for more severe injuries to restore stability and function. Surgery is often for:
- Athletes who want to return to sports with sudden turns, jumps, or pivots.
- People with other knee injuries in addition to the ACL tear.
- Individuals whose knee stays unstable during daily movement.
In arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, the surgeon removes the damaged ligament and replaces it with a tendon graft.
| Graft Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Autograft | Tissue taken from another part of the patientโs own body (often the hamstring or patellar tendon) |
| Allograft | Tissue donated from a deceased person |
After surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation help restore strength, movement, and knee function. A knee brace may help as the patient resumes daily activities.
Returning to full sports often takes a year or more. Doctors test knee stability and strength to decide when it is safe to return to athletic activity.
Regular follow-up helps maintain progress and prevent further injury.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take
Gather key information before your appointment with a healthcare provider. Write down when the knee injury happened and what activity you were doing.
Note if you heard a noise or felt a sensation during the incident.
A simple table can help organize information:
| Detail | Note Here |
|---|---|
| Date of Injury | |
| Activity During Injury | |
| Swelling Present | Yes/No |
| Previous Knee Injuries | Yes/No/Details |
Keep track of all your symptoms. Mention if your knee locks, gives way, feels weak, or if certain movements change the pain.
Write out these details so your healthcare provider can better understand your situation.
Bring a list of medicines you take and any past injuries. Be ready to describe if symptoms happen all the time or only sometimes, and if any movements help or make things worse.
