An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common knee injuries, particularly among athletes involved in sports that require sudden stops, jumps, or direction changes, such as soccer, basketball, and football. The ACL is a crucial ligament that stabilises the knee joint, and when torn, it can significantly impact mobility and performance.
Causes and Symptoms
ACL injuries often occur due to sudden movements, such as pivoting, landing awkwardly, or direct impact to the knee.
Common symptoms include: 
- A popping sound at the time of injury
- Severe pain and swelling
- Instability or difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
- Limited range of motion
Investigations
Basic Xray is done to rule out any fracture, but MRI is the best way to diagnose the ACL injury.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s activity level. Non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and bracing may be effective for partial tears. However, surgery is often necessary for complete ACL tears, especially for active individuals.
ACL reconstruction involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft from the patient’s hamstring, patellar tendon, or a donor.
Post-surgery rehabilitation is crucial for recovery, typically lasting 6-9 months before returning to sports. Strength training and proper conditioning can help prevent ACL injuries in the future.
If you experience an ACL injury, early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential for a successful recovery. If you are suffering from an ACL injury or want to know more about ACL injury and treatment
Consult our Expert:
Dr ABHIJIT GHOLAP
MS Ortho, FASM (Spain)
Hip and Knee Specialist
Joint Replacement, Arthroscopy & Sports Injury Surgeon