ACL Tear
An ACL tear is an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the key ligaments that stabilize the knee. This injury affects the soft tissues that link the thigh bone to the shin bone and can range from a small partial tear to a complete rupture.
The ACL helps control forward movement and rotation of the tibia under the femur. Tears often happen during sports or accidents and can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.
What You Should Know About ACL Tear?
An ACL tear occurs when the ligament is stretched beyond its limit or when it is pulled apart. It commonly involves damage to surrounding structures such as the meniscus or other ligaments and may cause a feeling that the knee is giving way.
Treatment depends on the severity of the tear, your activity level, and other knee injuries. Options include activity modification, physical therapy to restore strength and motion, and surgical reconstruction to restore knee stability. Orthopaedic specialists at Princeton Orthopaedic Associates evaluate knee injuries and help you choose the appropriate plan for recovery.
What Causes ACL Tear?
- Sudden change of direction: Rapid cutting or pivoting motions can strain the ACL and cause it to tear.
- Landing wrong from a jump: Landing with the knee extended or twisted can place excessive stress on the ligament.
- Direct blow to the knee: A forceful impact, such as a collision in contact sports, can bend the knee unnaturally and injure the ACL.
- Fatigue and poor technique: Muscle fatigue or poor technique can increase the risk of an ACL injury. ACL tears are typically acute injuries, not caused by overuse.
What Are The Symptoms Of ACL Tear?
- Sudden pain at the time of injury
- You may feel a sharp pain immediately when the ligament is damaged. Pain can be severe at first but may decrease after the initial injury.
- A popping sound or sensation
- Many people report hearing or feeling a pop inside the knee when the ACL tears. This is a common sign of a significant ligament injury.
- Rapid swelling
- The knee often swells within a few hours due to bleeding inside the joint. Swelling can limit motion and make weight bearing difficult.
- Instability or a giving way feeling
- You may feel that the knee is unstable or buckles when you try to walk or change direction. This reflects loss of ligament support.
- Reduced range of motion
- Stiffness and difficulty straightening or bending the knee are common after an ACL tear, especially while swelling is present.
When To Seek Orthopaedic Care For ACL Tear
- Severe pain and swelling: Intense pain, rapid swelling, or inability to walk may indicate a serious ligament injury that needs prompt evaluation.
- Feeling of instability: If the knee gives way during normal activities or sport, you should see an orthopaedic specialist to assess ligament function and discuss treatment choices.
- Difficulty moving the knee: If you cannot straighten or bend the knee fully after the injury, early assessment can help prevent longer term stiffness.
- Associated injuries: If you also have numbness, signs of fracture, or other joint injuries, seek immediate medical attention for a complete evaluation.
- Ongoing symptoms despite rest: If pain, swelling, or instability continue after initial rest and home care, an orthopaedic evaluation can determine whether surgery or structured rehabilitation is needed.
How ACL Tears Are Evaluated And Treated
When you see an orthopaedic specialist, we will take a history of the injury and perform a physical exam to test knee stability. Imaging may include X-rays to assess for fractures and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the menisci and the extent of the ligament tear.
Treatment options range from non-surgical care to surgical reconstruction. Non-surgical care includes bracing, activity modification, and a structured physical therapy program to regain strength and motion. Surgical reconstruction uses a graft to replace the torn ligament when knee stability is required for regular activities or sports. Rehabilitation after either approach focuses on restoring strength, balance, and function.
Recovery And Prevention
Recovery depends on the treatment chosen and the presence of other knee injuries. Rehabilitation is essential to restore muscle control and protect the knee as you return to normal activities. Progress is gradual and guided by your orthopaedic team to reduce the chance of re-injury.
To lower your risk of an ACL tear, focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving balance and landing technique, and using sport-specific training to reduce risky movements.
