November 27, 2023 Author : Jorge Pon Ligaments are structures that connect the bones of a joint, stabilizing it. The knee joint has several ligaments, the anterior cruciate ligament is one of them. It connects the tibia, femur and meniscus and plays an important role in the stability of the knee joint because it prevents: An incorrect displacement of the end of the femur during knee flexion; Hyperextension of the joint. Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is a common injury, often associated with sporting activities or trauma to the knee . It can result in severe pain, instability, and mobility limitations. Causes and mechanism of injury ACL tears usually occur as a result of : Sudden movements involving the knee; Direct impacts to the knee; Sudden twists that exceed the ligament's resistance capacity. Knee sprains during contact sports and sudden changes in direction are common causes of sports-related ACL tears. ACL tears are also common in traffic accidents and falls . Symptoms of anterior cruciate ligament tear Symptoms of an ACL tear can vary in severity: Sudden pain : Intense pain in the knee at the time of the trauma; Edema : The knee may swell quickly after injury due to internal bleeding in the joint; Instability : A feeling of instability in the knee is often reported; Loss of range of motion : The ability to fully bend (flexion) and straighten (extension) the knee may be impaired. Diagnosis Diagnosis of an ACL tear involves a combination of clinical assessment, patient history and imaging tests . During the physical exam, the doctor may perform specific tests, such as the Lachman test and the pivot test, to assess the stability of the knee. Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are often used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the lesion. Treatment for an anterior cruciate ligament tear Treatment for an ACL tear may vary based on: Severity of the injury; Age of the patient; Activity level; Treatment goals. Options are: Conservative treatment : May be recommended for partial injuries or in specific cases. It involves physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee, use of orthotics, and activity modifications. Surgery: For more serious injuries or in patients who wish to resume intense athletic activities, surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament may be recommended. This usually involves replacing the damaged ACL with a graft, often taken from the patellar tendon or tendon of a hamstring muscle. After surgery, rehabilitation is required to a complete recovery. Physical therapy is often prescribed to restore strength, flexibility, and stability to the knee. The patient follows a progressive program, going through different phases of rehabilitation to gradually return to normal activities. Prevention Although not all ACL injuries can be prevented, certain precautions can reduce the risk, especially in sporting activities. Doing strengthening exercises and proprioceptive training can help improve knee stability and prevent injuries. In summary An anterior cruciate ligament tear is a significant injury that can have a substantial impact on knee functionality. Early diagnosis, followed by an appropriate treatment plan, is essential for an effective recovery. The choice between conservative treatment and surgery will depend on several factors, and collaboration between the patient and the medical team is essential to choose the appropriate option . Meet the orthopedics clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
