1. Folks Injure ACLs All the Time
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates that nearly 200,000 people injure their anterior cruciate ligaments every year. Of these, almost half undergo reconstructive surgery to rebuild the ligament. Athletes in sports like basketball, football, soccer and skiing are the most susceptible to the injury, but any activity involving sudden stops or awkward landings can strain the ligament.
2. ACL Injuries Have a Gender Bias
Doctor's aren't sure why, but women injure their ACLs far more frequently than men. Differences in female leg anatomy, strength, conditioning and even hormones have been thought to play a role in this trend. Ask a trainer or your coach about how you might strengthen the muscles of your leg and improve your neuromuscular coordination. Doctors think improving these attributes may reduce your risk for injury.
3. Snap, Crackle and Pop
The ACL is one of the main ligaments in your knee. Its primary job is to keep your shin bone from sliding forward from beneath your thigh bone. It also helps keep your knee from twisting and shearing during exercise. When the ACL is torn or ruptured, you lose this stability and your knee becomes kind of wobbly. The tear itself usually makes a sort of popping sound and causes swelling in your knee. If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect you've injured your ACL, see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Untreated ACL injuries can lead to permanent joint damage and osteoarthritis.
4. Building a New Knee
If you've decided to go ahead with reconstructive surgery on your ACL, your doctor will use one of three procedures to build the new ligament. The first two options involve taking tissue from the tendons in either your hamstring or your kneecap and attaching them to the inside of your knee. These are effective, but the pain caused by the tissue removal can actually be more intense than the surgery itself. The other option, which is less painful but also more prone to infection, is to take connective tissue from a donor and plant it in your knee.
5. Toughin' It Out
Many patients with torn ACLs can still enjoy their normal daily activities. Depending on the severity of your tear and how active you are, you might be able to go without reconstructive surgery, which saves you the cost, pain and lengthy rehabilitation associated with the procedures. The decision to go without surgery is complex, so talk to your doctor about which treatment plan's right for you before making a final choice.
