Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most common knee injuries. Athletes who participate in high-demand sports like football, soccer, netball and basketball are at risk of injuring their anterior cruciate ligaments.
If you have ruptured your anterior cruciate ligament, you may need surgery in Perth or Albany to regain the full function of your knee.
What is the anterior cruciate ligament?
The cruciate ligaments are found inside your knee joint. They cross each other diagonally in the middle, with the anterior cruciate ligament in front and the posterior cruciate ligament at the back.
The anterior cruciate ligament prevents the tibia from sliding forward in front of the femur, but most importantly provides rotational stability to the knee. Without an ACL, your knee can give way particularly when changing direction or pivoting on the knee.
What are the symptoms of ACL injury?
The anterior cruciate ligament is normally injured in one of the following ways:
- Changing direction rapidly
- Stopping suddenly
- Slowing down while running
- Landing from a jump incorrectly
- Direct contact or collision, such as a football tackle
You may notice:
- A pop in the knee when the injury occurs
- Immediate pain and/or a swollen knee
- Tenderness at the joint
- An unstable knee that gives way
- Decreased range of motion
- Discomfort with walking
How do you diagnose an ACL inury?
After taking a concise and directed medical history, your knee will be examined comparing the injured and non-injured knee.
An MRI scan is the gold standard investigation for diagnosis and can determine the extent of the injury and any associated injuries (such as meniscal tears)
Treatment of ACL injuries in Perth
Non-operative Treatment
Treatment for an ACL injury will depend on the extent of the injury and the patient's individual needs. Partial ACL ruptures may be managed with physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
The less active, usually older, individual may be able to return to a quieter lifestyle without surgery.
ACL Surgical Treatment Perth
The younger individual that is involved in sports or physically active will most likely require surgery to safely return to sports.
What is ACL reconstruction?
ACL surgery in Perth involves the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Continue to the next page: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
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