Go Sports Life By Andy Kaasa

Information about anterior cruciate ligament injuries By Jonathan Cluett, M.D. From About Orthopedics http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/aclrepain/a/acl.htm What is an ACL injury? One of the most common problems involving the knee joint is an anterior cruciate ligament tear. The anterior cruciate ligament (also called the ACL) is one of four ligaments that are critical to the stability of the knee joint. A ligament is made of tough fibrous material and functions to control excessive motion by limiting joint mobility. Of the four major ligaments of the knee, the ACL injury is the most common knee ligament injury. An ACL Injury - ACL Tear MMG What is the normal function of the ACL? The anterior cruciate ligament is the primary restraint to forward motion of the shin bone (tibia). The anatomy of the knee joint is critical to understanding this relationship. Essentially, the femur (thigh bone) sits on top of the tibia (shin bone), and the knee joint allows movement at the junction of these bones. Without ligaments to stabilize the knee, the joint would be unstable and prone to dislocation. The ACL prevents the tibia from sliding too far forward. The ACL also contributes stability to other movements at the joint including the angulation and rotation at the knee joint. The ACL performs these functions by attaching to the femur on one end, and to the tibia on the other. The other major ligaments of the knee are the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL, respectively).

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ACL Tear By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., Source: http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/aclrepain/a/acl_2.htm What are the symptoms of an ACL tear? An ACL tear most often occurs during sporting activities when an athlete suddenly pivots causing excessive rotational forces on the ligament. Other mechanisms that can cause an ACL tear include severe trauma and work injuries. Individuals who experience ACL tears usually describe a feeling of the joint giving out, or buckling--patients also often say they hear a "pop." Signs you may have sustained an ACL tear: Sudden giving way of the knee Hearing a 'pop' at the time of injury Sudden swelling of the knee joint Pain in the knee when walking What should I do if I think I have an ACL tear? Patients who think they have an ACL tear should be evaluated by their doctor. An ACL tear may be difficult to diagnose immediately after the injury because of associated pain and swelling. There may also be muscle spasm that contributes to making the knee difficult to examine. Therefore, it may not be possible to conclusively determine the presence of an ACL tear soon after the injury. If an ACL tear is suspected, you will return for follow-up evaluation with your orthopedic surgeon.

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ACL Injuries in Women By: Jonathan Cluett, M.D., Source: http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/aclrepain/a/acl_4.htm Female athletes are more prone to ACL tears Female athletes are known to have a higher risk of injuring their ACL while participating in competitive sports. Unfortunately, understanding why women are more prone to ACL injury is unclear. Several studies have been done, and what is well known is that in sports that place a significant demand on the ACL, such as basketball, soccer, cheerleading, and others, ACL injuries are up to ten times more common in women than in men. It is no secret that men and women are built differently, have differently shaped skeletons, have unique body types, etc., but no one knows exactly what causes ACL injuries to be so much more common in women. Some theories are:

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What is the surgical treatment for ACL reconstruction? ACL reconstruction is usually not performed until several weeks after the injury. Studies have shown improved results when ACL reconstruction surgery is delayed several weeks from the time of injury. This time allows the inflamed and irritated knee to cool down. Swelling decreases, inflammation subsides, and range of motion improves. Resolution of swelling and stiffness prior to ACL reconstruction surgery improves the post-operative function of the joint. Can the ACL be repaired? ACL reconstruction surgery is commonly, and improperly, referred to as an ACL repair. Unfortunately, a torn ACL cannot be "repaired." Rather, the torn ligament must be entirely removed, and a new ACL must be reconstructed using other, healthy tissue. It is not possible to repair the torn ACL by simply reconnecting the torn ends.

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