Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Causes
Common causes of anterior cruciate ligament injury include application of excessive twisting force to the knee while the foot is steadily planted on the ground or during landing, direct blow to the knee coming from the outside, which can happen while playing football or rugby.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Definition
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries are extreme stretching and tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee, which can either be complete or partial.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Diagnosis
If the doctor suspects anterior cruciate ligament injury, he will order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and to assess other damage to the knee if there is any.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Symptoms and Signs
A perceptible crack or pop sound can be heard on the onset of injury. Extensive swelling on the frontal knee area following a feeling of instability is often observed. The injured would not be able to fully straighten the leg. Cardinal signs of inflammation like pain, swelling, and tenderness will start to manifest immediately and progress.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Treatment
Surgery can be carried out which is aimed at either repairing or reconstruction. Repairing involves suturing the torn ligament. There are two options for reconstructing a torn anterior cruciate ligament: Extraarticular technique which utilizes a structure outside the joint capsule like a part of hamstring tendon and Intraarticular technique which uses a portion from within the knee.