ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) INJURIES
What is the ACL?
The ACL is a very strong ligament on the inside of the knee. It runs from the femur (thigh bone) obliquely down to the Tibia (shin bone). The ACL prevents the tibia (shin bone) from moving forward relative to the femur (thigh bone). The ACL is very important in stabilising the femur and tibia and prevents the knee from “giving way”.
This is especially important for knee actions such as side-stepping in sport, pivoting and jumping. If the ACL is injured and the knee gives way (unstable knee) then other structures in the knee will also be injured such as bone, cartilage and meniscus injuries.
How is the ACL injured?
The ACL is most commonly injured during sport with pivoting, twisting or side-stepping actions. The ACL can also be injured with a direct blow to the knee or with extreme flexion (bending) or extension (straightening) of the knee.
Quick Menu
- Hip Replacement Surgery
- What is total hip replacement?
- Who is a candidate for total hip replacement?
- What are total hip replacement complications?
- What preparation is needed for the procedure?
- What will recovery be like for the patient after surgery?
- What is involved in the rehabilitation process after total hip joint replacement?
- What other postoperative instructions are given to patients with total hip joint replacements?
- What is the prognosis of total hip joint replacement?
- Knee Replacement Surgery
- What is a total knee replacement?
- What patients should consider a total knee replacement?
- What are the risks of undergoing a total knee replacement?
- What is involved with the preoperative evaluation for total knee replacement?
- What happens in the postoperative period? What is involved in the recovery from surgery?
- How does the patient continue to improve as an outpatient after discharge from the hospital? What are recommended exercises?
- ACL Injuries
- Trauma