ACL Tear Flashcards
What is the function of the ACL
Restrain arteriography translation of the tibia relative to the femur
It also contributes to rotational stability of the knee
What are the causes of ACL tear
History of twisting the knee whilst weight bearing
Most occur without contact and occur due to landing from a jump
what are the clinical features of ACL tear
Rapid joint swelling
Pain
Leg gives way
Why do you get rapid joint swelling with a ACL tear
Ligament is highly vascular therefore damage to it causes haemarthroisis => causing swelling in 15-20 mins
What are the two tests that can be carried out to identify potential ACL tear
Lachman test
Anterior draw test
What does the Lachman test involve
knee in 30 degrees of flexion and, with one hand stabilising the femur, pulling the tibia forward to assess the amount of anterior movement of the tibia compared to the femur. The other knee is then examined for comparison.
What does the anterior draw test involve
flexing the knee to 90 degrees, placing the thumbs on the joint line and their index fingers on the hamstring tendons posteriorly. Force is then applied anteriorly to demonstrate any tibial excursion, which is then compared to the opposite site.
Which tests is more sensitive at picking up ACL tears
Lachmans test
What the differential diagnosis
Fracture
Meniscal tear
Collateral ligament tear
Quadriceps or patellar ligament tear
What are the investigations you would do for a ACL tear
AP and lateral X-ray - exclusion of bony injuries, joint effusions, lipohaemarthrosis
Gold standard - MRI scan knee
How do you immediately manage an ACL tear
Immediate management of swollen knee - RICE
What is the conservative treatment of ACL tear
Strength training of the quadriceps
Canvas knee splint for comfort
How are ACL tears fixed surgically
Tendon/artificial graft
Surgery is carried out after:
prehabilitation’, whereby the patient will engage with a physiotherapist for a period of months prior to the surgery.
What are the complications of ACL injury and surgery
Post-traumatic OA
What is the function of PCL
Restrains the posterior tibial translation relative to the femur
Prevents hyperflexion of the knee