Anatomy

The bone structure of the knee is created by the femoris, the tibia, and therefore the patella. The ACL is one in all the four main ligaments among the knee that connect the femoris to the shinbone. The knee is actually a hinged joint that’s control along by the medial collateral (MCL), lateral collateral (LCL), anterior symmetrical  (ACL) and posterior symmetrical  (PCL) ligaments. The ACL runs diagonally within the middle of the knee, preventing the shinbone from slippery  enter front of the femoris, yet as providing move stability to the knee.

The weight-bearing surface of the knee is roofed by a layer of articulary gristle. On either facet of the joint, between the gristle surfaces of the femoris and shinbone, ar the medial gristle and lateral gristle. The menisci act as shock absorbers and work with the gristle to cut back the stresses between the shinbone and therefore the femoris.

Description

The anterior symmetrical  ligament (ACL) is one in all the foremost unremarkably burned ligaments of the knee.  In general, the incidence of ACL injury is higher in those that participate in risky sports, like basketball, football, skiing, and soccer. Approximately half ACL injuries occur together with harm to the gristle, articulary gristle, or different ligaments. to boot, patients could have bruises of the bone at a lower place the gristle surface. These is also seen on a resonance imaging (MRI) scan and should indicate injury to the superjacent articulary gristle.

Cause

It is calculable that the bulk of  ACL injuries occur through non-contact mechanisms, whereas a smaller % result from direct contact with another player or object. The mechanism of injury is commonly related to fastness plus cutting, pivoting or sidestepping maneuvers, awkward landings or “out of control” play.

Several studies have shown that feminine athletes have a better incidence of ACL injury than male athletes in bound sports. it’s been projected that this can be because of variations in physical acquisition, muscular strength, and fiber bundle management. different hypothesized causes of this gender-related distinction in ACL injury rates embrace pelvis and lower extremity (leg) alignment, exaggerated ligamentous negligence, and therefore the effects of steroid hormone on ligament properties.

Diagnosis

During the physical test, your doctor can check your knee for swelling and tenderness — comparison your burned knee to your undamaged knee. He or she may additionally  move your knee into vary} of positions to assess range of motion and overall perform of the joint.

Often the diagnosing are often created on the idea of the physical test alone, however you’ll would like tests to rule out different causes and to work out the severity of the injury. These tests could include:

X-rays. X-rays is also required to rule out a bone fracture. However, X-rays do not show soft tissues, like ligaments and tendons.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Associate in Nursing magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves and a powerful force field to form pictures of each exhausting and soft tissues in your body. Associate in Nursing magnetic resonance imaging will show the extent of Associate in Nursing ACL injury and signs of injury to different tissues within the knee, as well as the gristle.

Ultrasound. mistreatment sound waves to examine internal structures, ultrasound is also accustomed check for injuries within the ligaments, tendons and muscles of the knee.

Treatment

Prompt first-aid care will scale back pain Associate in Nursingd swelling in real time when an injury to your knee. Follow the R.I.C.E. model of self-care at home:

Rest. General rest is critical for healing and limits weight relating your knee.

Ice. once you are awake, attempt to ice your knee a minimum of each 2 hours for twenty minutes at a time.

Compression. Wrap Associate in Nursing bandage or compression wrap around your knee.

Elevation. lie along with your knee propped au courant pillows.