Acute Injuries of the Knee Flashcards
Who is most at risk of ACL tears?
- 15-45yrs
- Active individuals - 70% occur in sporting activities
- Females>Males
What are the functions of the ACL?
Prevents
- Posterior displacement of the femur
- Hyperextension of the knee joint.
- Minimises tibial rotation
- Resists valgus/varus stress
Where does the ACL arise from and attach to?
Arises from anterior intercondylar area of the tibia, and attaches to the posteromedial aspect of the intercondylar notch of the femur
How do ACL tears occur?
As a result of an acute non-contact deceleration injury, forceful hyperextension, or excessive rotational forces about the knee.
Tearing what ligament can also result in an ACL tear?
MCL
Is the ACL intracapsular or extracapsular?
Intracapsular
What are the symptoms of an ACL tear?
- Mechanism of injury - twisting motion
- Popping sound
- Swelling
- Inability to return to play
What are the clinical signs of ACL tear?
- Effusion
- Haemarthrosis? - immediate swelling?
- Anterior Draw sign - positive
- Lachman’s test - positive
- Decreased ROM - esp. flexion
How would you investigate a suspected ACL tear?
Clinical diagnosis!!
Imaging
- MRI Scan (INITIAL TEST) - For clinical confirmation
How would you manage someone with a ruptured ACL?
- RICE
- Analgesia
- Protected weight-bearing - with crutches +/- knee immobiliser
- Physiotherapy
- Surgical reconstruction - autograft - iin the young/increased knee instability
What groups of individuals are more likley to suffer collateral ligament ruptures?
- Adults
- 20-35 yrs
- Most common in American footbal, skiing, rugby
Where are the attachment points for the MCL?
- Medial epicondyle of the femur
- Medial condyle of the tibia
Which collateral ligament attaches to its respective meniscus?
Medial collateral ligament
What is the function of the MCL?
- Resist valgus
- Resist external rotation forces
What are the attachement points for the LCL?
- Lateral epicondyle of femur
- Lateral surface of the head of the fibula
Does the LCL attach to the lateral meniscus?
No