ACL Injury- Anterior Cruciate Ligament

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a structure in the knee that primarily restricts the tibia's movement on the femur and provice rotational stability.

Some common symptoms that a patient may experience with an ACL injury may include, but are not limited to:

• Rapid swelling with pain
• Instability with weight bearing
• A popping sensation in the knee
• Loss of full range of motion
• Tenderness along joint line

An ACL injury can occur in scenarios such as:

• Quickly changing directions
• Direct contact or collision
• Landing incorrectly (Knee Valgus + Tibial Rotation)

Physiotherapy treatment will vary based upon the patient's situation and degree of tear. A brace and crutches may be recommended to protect the knee and allow partial weight bearing through the leg. Physical therapy is recommended to restore function to knee and provide strengthening as the swelling goes down. For post-surgical physiotherapy the focus is on returning the motion to the joints and strengthening the muscles. A strengthening program will be implemented to protect the new ligament.