ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury
About ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury
A common injury from a forceful twisting, pivot, or sudden stop of the knee causing a tear or stretch of the ACL ligament in the knee, in which no bones are broken. The knee joint has four major ligaments that may be injured called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Often times during a knee sprain more than one ligament can be affected with an ACL injury. Sprains are commonly graded in a severity range from Grade I (mild) to Grade III (severe). Most mild sprains heal on their own with just rest. Most ACL injuries are severe involving a complete tear of the ligament. Severe injuries may need immobilization and/or surgical reconstruction of the ligament.Symptoms
Pain with weight bearing, swelling, bruising, tenderness, decreased motion, and / or a feeling of instability. Often times many individuals may feel a distinct `pop` in their knee.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. A specific exam to test the ligaments in the knee will be conducted. An x-ray may be helpful to rule out a fracture. An MRI can identify the torn ligament and assess the extent of damage.Common tests: MRI, X-ray.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Conventional treatment summary
Most mild sprains heal on their own with just rest. Treatment includes: immobilization, ice, elevation and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Physical therapy and therapeutic ultrasound may be helpful. For severe sprains that do not improve with other treatments surgery may be required to reconstruct the torn ligament.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Orthopedic Surgery · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery · Sports Medicine Surgery
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury.