Causes and risk factors
ACL injury can be caused due to jerky movements likechanging direction rapidly, stopping suddenly while walking or running, landing from the jump incorrectly, slowing down while running, direct contact or collision such as football tackle.Basketball, football, soccer, and skiing are common causes of ACL tears. Women are more likely to have an ACL tear than men. The cause for this is not completely understood.
Clinical presentation
Early symptoms of ACL injury include a “popping” sound at the time of injury. Knee swelling is seen within 6 hours of injury with severe pain, discomfort while walking. There is loss of full range of motion, tenderness along the joint line. Late symptoms include arthritis, knee joint instability. The injury can be a mild damage to the ligament involving slight stretch. The knee joint is stable. A considerable stretch can cause loosening of the ligament. It is often called as partial tear of the ligament. A complete tear includes splitting of ligament into 2 pieces. This renders knee joint unstable.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the orthopedic doctor helps in diagnosis.During clinical exam doctor performs test such as pivot shift test, anterior drawer test and the lachman test. Imaging test which help to confirm diagnosis are X-ray and MRI scan.
Treatment
The treatment is non-surgical and surgical. Non-Surgical treatment includes Bracing and Physiotherapy. It is recommended in elderly patient, low activity level, if overall stability of the knee is intact. Surgical Treatment consists of rebuilding the ACL ligament. It is the only treatment indicated in athletes or people who wish to continue their sports activity, young age, active lifestyle. Supportive care is given i.e. Rehabilitation is needed irrespective of the surgery to regain knee strength and motion.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating ACL injury. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating ACL injury.
