Sports Medicine Insights

Education – Rehabilitate - Prevent

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) INJURIES

What is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)?

The Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament running

from the posterior thigh bone (femur) anteriorly to the shin
bone (tibia). Ligaments are strong tissues that connect one
bone to the other. The ACL’s primary role is preventing the
shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone.

What are risk factors for ACL injuries?

ACL injuries are one of the most common sports related knee injuries. They are typically caused by plant and
pivot or hyperextension mechanism. A tear can be partial or complete. It is estimated that around half of all
ACL injuries occur in combination with damage to the meniscus, cartilage, or other ligaments. An ACL injury
is often traumatic and thus typically requires immediate medical care.

ACL injuries typically occur during contact sports such as football or soccer when the athlete gets hit on one
side of the knee. Other causes include overextension of the knee or movements that combine rapid
stopping and changing directions such as landing from a basketball jump.

A ‘popping’ sound that occurs during the time of the injury

WHAT Tenderness (from mild to significant depending on the grade of
the injury)
ARE THE Swelling at the site of the injury
SYMPTOMS? Decreased range of motion or joint instability

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation) to reduce the swelling

of the affected area
WHAT ARE Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for pain management
THE TREATMENT Exercise rehabilitation that focuses on regaining pre-injury
strength, range of motion and stability.
OPTIONS? Immobilization of the knee through bracing
Surgical treatment in case of complete tear and for tears in
combination with injury to other knee structures

Prevention strategies

Muscle imbalances can put additional stress on the knee and thus on the ACL. Therefore it is important to
identify potential overactive and underactive muscles through movement evaluations and develop correc-
tive exercise strategies accordingly. Discuss these options with your health care professional to determine
which would be the best treatment approach for you.

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