An anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, injury involves the knee, specifically the ligament connecting the anterior tibial plateau to the posterior femoral intercondylar notch. Vigorous activities such as sports and weight training frequently cause damage to the ACL in the form of rupture. Diagnosis of ACL injuries is made using three tests: the Lachman, dynamic extension and pivot jerk test. The possibility of long-term disability exists with each incidence of ACL injury without proper treatment.
About the ACL
These ligaments allow the knee to perform hyper-extensive movements and tibial-femoral expansion of up to 30 degrees. They also prevent all forms of stress from constantly eroding the knee joint. A common reason for an ACL rupture involves a traumatic, twisting force to the knee. Examples include landing inappropriately after jumping or pivoting suddenly, as when someone shoots a basketball while running.
Non-Surgery Rehabilitation
Treating an ACL rupture immediately is vital to preventing intra-articular damage and tearing of the secondary stabilizing capsular components. Non-surgical treatment involves intensive physical therapy, along with use of hinged knee braces. Without conservative management, individuals suffering from ACL are at risk for experiencing separate knee injuries. Involvement with sports or exercises requiring twisting and abrupt pivotal movements is not advised until the injury is fully healed.
Surgical Procedures
Undergoing a surgical procedure to repair ACL ruptures is recommended, especially when they appear with other knee injuries. One new technique involves semitendinosus-gracilis autografts. This procedure binds the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons, which are connected to a bone vertical to the knee, by interlacing them together to create a healthier graft. This graft then replaces the damaged ACL.
Other Surgical Procedures
Fibrous artificial ligaments also have been used when repairing ACL ruptures. These have experienced mixed results, with inevitable mechanical problems or inflammation caused by material breakdown occurring within two years of surgery. Another new surgical procedure involves a noninvasive method requiring minimal incisions. Placing a patella tendon graft arthroscopically facilitates early flexibility and a higher rate of rehabilitation success, as well as reducing the risk of further injury of pre-existing ACL ruptures.
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