ACL injuries

Question 1

How can a person injure their ACL?

Answer 1

When they stop suddenly or plant their foot hard into the ground. Or stiff-legged landing.

Question 2

Describe the force pattern when landing stuff legged

Answer 2

Landing flat on heels causes the force to be directed up the tibia and into the knee. This causes forward slide of the tibia relative to the femur therefore stressing the ACL

Question 3

What type of sports can cause ACL injuries?

Answer 3

High impact sports
When the knee is forced to stop suddenly at high speed causing the tibia to move forward in relation to the femur. Ie: skiing, rugby, basketball, wrestling

Question 4

Why are women more likely to suffer from this injury?

Answer 4

Due to variation of hormone levels and decreased ligament strength. There is a substantial difference in neuromuscular coordination and control in landing as women have less knee and hip flexion.

Question 5

Describe the clinical presentations of this injury

Answer 5

Patient would have heard a sudden popping sound
Swelling
Pain
Buckling or locking of knee

Question 6

What would be the best way to diagnose this condition?

Answer 6

MRI or anterior draw test to check for laxity.