ISIAHA MACER
ACL INJURY PROJECT

Example: ACL Tear

Explanation of ACL

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The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a ligament or a “rope” that attaches the two bones of your knee together. When it is torn and you try to do things that your muscles are not able to control on their own your knee gives out and feels unstable. If you don’t do things like cutting twisting sports you may be okay without an ACL, but if you do more vigorous sports and your knee gives out you can injure other structures in your knee, such as your meniscus. In addition you can’t really compete if your knee is giving out.

Symptoms

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If the tear occurs from a sudden injury, you may feel and/or hear a
“pop” at the time of the injury and experience an unstable or giving way feeling. Swelling after the injury will gradually increase over the next several hours and the knee will begin to feel tight & achy. As you recover from the pain and swelling from the injury you may feel fine until you try to do something quickly when your knee could give out.

Test/evaluations

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After suffering an ACL tear, your physician will usually order knee xrays to make sure there is no damage to your bones and may also order a MRI of the knee to see the extend of the damage and determine if there are any cartilage tears. You will also be prescribed physical therapy to get your knee moving again and medication that helps with the pain and swelling.

How to treat ACL injury
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Initial treatment will consist of RICE = Rest, Ice, Compression &
Elevation. Rest includes backing down from any activities that cause increased pain & discomfort. You should ice 3-5 times daily for 20-30 minutes. Compression ace wraps, elevating above the level of your heart and keeping your ankle moving will help reduce swelling and discomfort. How to treat ACL injury
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During the time right after the initial injury you should use crutches or a
knee