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in/blogs/anterior-cruciate-ligament-tear Close Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located in the center of the knee, that controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shin bone).
Key symptoms and patterns
ACL rupture is a common sports related injury but can also occur in road traffic accidents, falls and work-related injuries occurring during changing the direction rapidly and during a jerky action like landing from a jump or stopping suddenly. It is more commonly seen in female athletes.
ACL injury is often associated with damage to articular cartilage, meniscus or other ligaments.
GRADES OF INJURY ACL tear can be classified into three grades: Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Pathology Minor tear around the ligament Single Bundle tear but not completely torn -Fibres of ligament are completely torn -Ligament completely torn into two parts Examination -Tenderness + -Swelling + -Increased anterior translation around the knee joint -Tenderness + -Swelling+ -Joint Instability -No end field -Tenderness++ -Swelling++ Symptoms -Pain + -No knee buckling -Pain ++ -Difficulty in walking -Pain -Knee buckling + MRI Findings -Fluid around the ligament -Fluid around ligament -Partial disruption of the ligament fibres -Complete disruption of fibres CAUSES An ACL tear is usually sudden and is regularly seen in high thrust sports.
Common causes and risk factors
It often occurs: An athlete plants a foot & suddenly shifts direction When a person lands on one leg When the hyperextended knee is hit directly Repeated stress on the knee Sudden change of movement Due to a fall RISK FACTORS Gender The rate of ACL injuries is three times higher in females than in males Athletes ACL tear commonly occurs in high thrust sports like: Football Basketball Volleyball Tennis Previous ACL Injury The risk of re-tearing a previously repaired ACL is 15% more than the risk of tearing a normal ACL.
The risk of ACL tear in the opposite knee is also higher once the injury has occurred in the first.
Age Factor Due to the active lifestyle & high participation in sports activities, age group of 15-45 is a vulnerable group for ACL tear When to see a doctor A loud “popping sound” in the knee joint Severe pain around the knee Knee buckling Rapid Swelling DIAGNOSIS Medical history and a physical examination.
Diagnosis and evaluation
During examination, clinician checks all the structures of the injured knee, and compare them with the non injured knee. MRI scan of the knee. Commonly there is damage to the meniscus and other ligaments at the same time as the ACL. X- ray are done to rule out bony avulsions a/w the tear.
TREATMENT Initial management after an injury to the knee can help in reducing pain & swelling. This can be achieved by R. I. C. E.
model of self-home care of the injury: Rest the muscles and avoid activity causing contraction of the injured region Ice pack application for around 20 minutes can reduce pain and inflammation Compression wrap around the knee Elevation of the limb Surgery is generally recommended if patient wishes to get back to sports but it is not absolutely ACL Reconstruction: In general, this surgery is very successful, and it does stop the knee from repetitively dislocating and makes it feel stable.
Damaged Ligament is removed & is replaced with a segment of tendon
Damaged Ligament is removed & is replaced with a segment of tendon. This replacement tissue is known as Graft. necessary to have this ligament reconstructed. Treatment for an ACL tear depends on the patients need. Non-surgical treatment maybe effective for patients who having low functional demands such as elderly.
Nonsurgical options include: [Text Box: ACL Reconstruction: In general, this surgery is very successful, and it does stop the knee from repetitively dislocating and makes it feel stable. Damaged Ligament is removed & is replaced with a segment of tendon. This replacement tissue is known as Graft.
] Sockets or tunnels are drilled into the thighbone and shinbone to accurately position the graft, which is then secured to your bones with screws or other fixation devices.
Consult Dr. Kumar Deepak in Lucknow
Persistent joint, bone, or muscle symptoms deserve a structured evaluation rather than repeated self-treatment alone.
Dr. Kumar Deepak — M.S. Ortho (Gold Medalist), F.I.J.R | ASAMI | AO Trauma — consults at The OrthoVision Clinic and Remedy Medicity, Lucknow. Call to book an appointment and discuss a plan suited to your activity level.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an orthopaedic specialist instead of waiting?
Seek review if pain lasts more than a few weeks, disturbs sleep, causes limping, or limits work and daily tasks despite rest and simple measures.
Does this information replace an in-person examination?
No. Online guides help you understand options, but diagnosis depends on clinical examination and investigations tailored to your case.
Where can I get orthopaedic care in Lucknow?
Dr. Kumar Deepak sees patients at The OrthoVision Clinic (Ahmamau, Sultanpur Road) and Remedy Medicity, Lucknow.
