ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four main ligaments in the knee. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and plays a vital role in stabilizing the knee during movement, especially when pivoting, jumping, or changing direction quickly.

ACL injuries often occur when the ligament is stretched or torn, and they are especially common among athletes in high-demand sports like soccer, basketball, football, and skiing.

Causes and Risk Factors
ACL injuries typically happen with:

• Sudden stops or direction changes
• Improper landings from a jump
• Direct blows to the knee
• Twisting injuries

Risk factors include:

• Participation in high-risk sports
• Poor biomechanics or weak supporting muscles
• Female athletes, due to anatomical and hormonal differences
• Previous ACL injury

Symptoms of an ACL Tear
You might hear or feel a “pop” when the injury occurs, followed by:

• Sudden knee pain and swelling
• Instability or “giving out” sensation
• Loss of range of motion
• Difficulty bearing weight on the leg
• Tenderness along the joint

ACL injuries can range from mild sprains to full tears. A proper diagnosis is key to determining the best treatment.

Diagnosing an ACL Injury

• Physical examination, including stability and movement tests
• Imaging tests such as:
  • MRI to assess ligament damage and rule out other injuries
  • X-rays to check for bone fractures

Many ACL tears occur alongside meniscus tears or damage to other knee structures, which is why a thorough evaluation is essential.

Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and your activity level and goals.

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Typically reserved for partial tears or less active individuals
• Includes:
  • Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
  • Bracing to support the knee during activity
  • Activity modification to avoid high-risk movements

Surgical Treatment
For complete ACL tears, especially in active individuals or athletes, ACL reconstruction surgery is often recommended. This procedure involves:

• Replacing the torn ligament with a graft (usually from your own hamstring or patellar tendon)
• Arthroscopic techniques for minimal invasiveness and quicker recovery
• Rehabilitation post-surgery to regain strength, stability, and range of motion

Recovery and Return to Activity
Recovery timelines vary, but most patients return to full activity within 6–9 months after surgery, depending on:

• Rehabilitation progress
• Sport-specific demands
• Commitment to physical therapy

A structured rehab plan is crucial. Iowa Ortho’s physical therapy team works closely with patients and their doctor to guide every step of the recovery journey.