acl Flashcards
explain where the ACL is located and originates.
Anterior cruciate ligament sprains.
located in the center of the knee, and originates from the medial surface of the lateral femoral condyle, and crosses diagonally over to the posterior cruciate ligament.
Explain the structure and role/mechanism of the acl.
ACL is a ligament which is a band of strong fibrous connective tissue connecting the tibia to the femur.
Its role is to resist anterior tibial translation (prevents tib sliding forwards out infront of the femur) and acts as a decelerator and contributes to braking when moving.
resists rotational loads too
What are some common causes of acl injury?
injury occurs through contact or non-contact.
contact: another object/person or force causes the knee to be positioned awkwardly causing the acl to stretch past its normal capability and hyperextend.
Non-contact: 70% of acl injuries are non-contact
working at maximal effort and cutting or decelerating quickly, landing awkwardly, can cause a pushing force onto the knee moving it into a position where the force apon the ligament is to great and the acl is stretched.
what is the usual length for a grade 1 and 2 recovery phase?
Grade 1 - 2-4 weeks, but some research shows collagen fibres only align after 6 weeks, so possibility of re-injury is higher before this.
grade 2 - within 3 months.
what are some symptoms of a acl grade 1 sprain?
small amount of fibres torn, but ligament stretched. some discomfort and pain about 5/10. slight swelling and mild tenderness over the area. Little to no instability and lack of weight-bearing, range of motion. no discolouration but pain at the end of ranges (straightening and bending).
Individual may feel the knee is “fine”/playable, however the main risk is reoccurance of injury causing more harm later.
what are some symptoms of a acl grade 2 sprain?
partial acl tear, 20% to 80% of the fibres are torn. swelling and potential bruising, intense pain, weight bearing ability is minimal, limb and pain. restricted ROM and rotation ability, inability to straighten leg. Wearing a brace for first 2 weeks if needed.
what are the steps/phases we go through for rehab.
1st PRICE, 2nd, then working to regain full range of motion and weight-bearing , through massage and stretching, working on straightening the knee rather than bending as not to cause harm again to acl. some use of static excerises.
step 3, restoring full strength, dynamic stretches, high intesity walking, squats, one leg balance task. aiming to stand on the leg and bend the knee.
step 4, improve rotation in the knee. including rotation excerises, e.g walking lunge with upper body twist.
step 5, agility training and faster changes of direction and movements. e.g quick steps, agility ladder, sprints with change of direction, working on decelarting.
step 6, high resistance training, working on all components at higher intensity and volume. working uni lateral and bi lateral, ensuring symmetry between legs.
step 7, sport specific work, plyometrics etc, aiming to be able to adapt to unknown using reaction drills at high intesity/velocity.
