ACL Injuries And Knee Instability
ACL Injuries And Knee Instability: Ligament Damage That Can Affect Joint Strength and Movement
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries, particularly in individuals participating in high-impact sports or activities that involve sudden changes in direction, pivoting, or jumping. The ACL plays a crucial role in stabilising the knee joint, and an injury can lead to pain, swelling, and a feeling of instability. If left untreated, ACL injuries may increase the risk of further damage to other knee structures and long-term joint instability.
What is an ACL Injury?
An ACL injury occurs when the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn. The ACL is one of the key ligaments in the knee, connecting the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). It helps stabilise the knee during movements that place stress on the joint, such as pivoting or twisting.
ACL injuries are often classified into three grades:
- Grade 1: The ligament is stretched but not torn.
- Grade 2: A partial tear of the ligament.
- Grade 3: A complete tear or rupture of the ligament.
Causes Of ACL Injuries
ACL injuries often occur during activities that involve:
- Sudden stops or changes in direction.
- Pivoting or twisting motions, such as those in football, netball, or skiing.
- Landing awkwardly from a jump.
- Direct impact to the knee, such as during a tackle.
Symptoms Of ACL Injuries And Knee Instability
Symptoms of an ACL injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury and may include:
- A popping sound at the time of injury.
- Immediate pain and swelling in the knee.
- A feeling of instability or the knee “giving way” during movement.
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.
- Loss of range of motion in the knee.
If left untreated, an ACL injury can lead to chronic knee instability, increasing the risk of further damage to the meniscus, cartilage, or other ligaments.
Risk Factors For ACL Injuries
Certain factors may increase the risk of sustaining an ACL injury, including:
- Sports Participation: High-impact sports such as football, basketball, netball, and skiing.
- Gender: Women are more likely to sustain ACL injuries, possibly due to differences in anatomy and hormonal influences.
- Previous Injuries: A history of knee injuries may increase susceptibility to reinjury.
- Poor Conditioning: Weakness in the muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings.
- Improper Technique: Poor landing mechanics during jumping or pivoting.
Treatment Options For ACL Injuries And Knee Instability
Treatment for ACL injuries depends on the severity of the injury, the patient’s activity level, and their overall health. Options include:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physiotherapy: A structured rehabilitation program to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve stability.
- Bracing: Knee braces may provide additional support and stability during physical activity.
- Activity Modification: Avoiding high-impact activities that may worsen instability or risk further injury.
Surgical Treatments
For complete ACL tears or when knee instability persists despite non-surgical treatment, surgery may be recommended:
- ACL Reconstruction: The damaged ligament is replaced with a graft from the patient’s own tissue (autograft) or a donor (allograft).
- Multi-ligament Reconstruction: If other ligaments are also injured, additional reconstruction may be necessary.
Dr. Scott Tulloch will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment based on your individual needs and goals.
When Should You Seek Help For an ACL Injury?
You should consider seeking medical advice if:
- You experience knee pain, swelling, or instability following an injury.
- Your knee feels like it may “give way” during activity.
- You are unable to bear weight or fully straighten your knee.
Early assessment and intervention may help reduce the risk of further damage and improve long-term outcomes.
If you would like to learn more about ACL injuries and knee instability or discuss your options, book an appointment with Dr. Scott Tulloch at the Victorian Orthopaedic Group.
