ABC Medical Center > Anterior cruciate ligament injury

What is Anterior cruciate ligament injury?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is the partial or total rupture of one of the two ligaments that crosses the central part of the knee, connects the femur with the tibia, and helps stabilize the knee joint.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury is caused by:

  • Landing badly after a jump.
  • Running and suddenly stopping.
  • Excessive extension of the knee joint.
  • Turning with your foot firmly placed on the ground.
  • Practice any sport that involves slowing down and changing direction abruptly.
  • Knee injuries.

The following conditions may increase the risk of suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury:

  • Inappropriate movements.
  • Being a woman.
  • Practice contact sports.
  • Exercise without warming up.
  • Use of inappropriate footwear or sports equipment in poor condition.

Signs and symptoms Anterior cruciate ligament injury

  • Crackling noise in the knee at the time of injury.
  • Difficulty continuing with sports activity.
  • Severe pain when leaning on the injured leg.
  • Knee swelling.
  • Movement limitations.
  • Instability.

The risk of an ACL injury is developing arthritis or osteoarthritis in the knee.

Diagnosis and treatment Anterior cruciate ligament injury

Once the orthopedist analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination of the knee to detect if it is swollen and if you have sensitivity, as well as verify the range of motion and the function of the joint.

They will also request imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis, such as:

  • Ultrasound.
  • X-rays.
  • MRI.

Treatment will be based on the severity of the injury, but usually consists of:

  • Rest.
  • Cold compresses
  • Torn ligament replacement.
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the locomotor system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Fuentes:

  • orthoinfo.aaos.org
  • wnyurology.com
  • mayoclinic.com
  • topdoctors.es
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medlineplus.gov
  • medigraphic.com
  • Ortiz MGMJ, Sierra PM, Aponte FJE, et al. Reconstrucción del ligamento anterolateral en pacientes con lesión del ligamento cruzado anterior. Acta Med. 2022;20(2):151-156. doi:10.35366/104276.
  • Aguirre-Rodríguez V, Valdés-Montor J, Valero-González F, et al. Prevalencia de lesión del ligamento colateral medial de la rodilla valorada por resonancia magnética. Acta Ortop Mex. 2021 May-Jun;35(3):271-275. doi:10.35366/102366.
  • Carriedo-Rico EG, García-Morato-Jorreto P. Reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior con túnel femoral por portal medial vs transtibial. Acta Ortop Mex. 2019 Nov-Dic;33(6):376-381. doi:10.35366/93344.
  • Valderrama-Treviño AI, Granados-Romero JJ, Alvarado Rodríguez C, et al. Lesión del ligamento cruzado anterior. Ortho-tips. 2017;13(4):160-168.

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