ACL Injury.

What is ACL?
ACL or also known as anterior cruciate ligament is a ligament which is located
at the knee. ACL always pair with the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) as a
cruciate ligament in the knee. ACL also is one of 4 major ligament in the knee
which helps to stabilize the knee. (Dr Michelle Wright,2014)

What are ACL function?

ACL function is to prevent the tibia (long bone) from sliding forward
excessively. It also help to stabilize the knee in order to allow the knee to
jumping, cutting and also twisting.(Dr Michelle Wright,2014)

What happen during ACL injury?

ACL injury may occur due to over-stretching or tearing of the ACL in the knee.
It is either partial tear or complete tear. ACL injury command occur during
sport such as tennis, skiing, football and also basketball. It happen when
landing the leg and quickly twisting or pivot the knee in the opposite direction.
(Dr Michelle Wright,2014)

The injury is a result from large external valgus moment and external rotation movement with
combination of translatory shift tibia and femur. (Tron Krosshaug ,2006)

ACL Injury Grading

There are 3 grade of ACL injury:
Grade 1: mild injury that cause microscopic tears in ACL. Even though the tears may stretch the
ligament, but it do not effect the overall function of knee stability to support the body weight. It may
cause little swelling and tenderness. No change in laxity and firm end feel.
Grade 2: moderate injury that cause partial of ACL torn and cause haemorrhage. Moderate swelling
can be seen and little tenderness can be palpate. Also some functional loss. The knee can be
sometimes unstable and can give away during stand and walk.
Grade 3: severe injury that cause complete tears of ACL and the knee are very unstable.