What is a anterior cruciate ligament injury?
"Twisting my knee during the landing of a jump" and "Experiencing intense pain in my knee during a change of direction." After that, if my knee becomes swollen and I can no longer walk, it may be that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is injured.
The anterior cruciate ligament is located in the center of the knee joint and connects the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). It mainly prevents the tibia from moving forward.
Injuries often occur during jumping landings (basketball and volleyball), sudden changes of direction (soccer and rugby), sudden stops, and contact play; they can also be caused by a strong impact on the knee during a car accident. They are also often accompanied by injuries to the meniscus and the medial collateral ligament (MCL).
If left untreated, repeated knee dislocations (a feeling of the knee snapping out) can damage the meniscus and cartilage in the joints, potentially leading to future joint deformities.
In such cases, seek medical attention.
- My knee has been very painful and swollen right from the moment of the injury.
- Within a few hours, my knee swelled up terribly (bleeding in the joint).
- When I got injured, I felt a “thud” sound.
- The pain has subsided, but I still feel a slight popping of the knee (kneecap dislocation).
Tests performed at our clinic
- Examination (manual examination): The Rulmann test, in which the shinbone is pulled forward while the knee is slightly bent, and the forward-pulling test are used to confirm knee misalignment.
- Ultrasound examination (echography) and X-ray examination: To check for fractures and other illnesses
- MRI examination: When necessary, we will refer you to a collaborating medical institution to confirm ligament damage or rupture, as well as damage to the shoulder joint and other ligaments.
medical treatment
Non-surgical treatment (conservative therapy)It is intended for those who do not wish to return to competition. Physiotherapy specialists will guide rehabilitation training focusing on strength in the front (quadriceps) and back (hamstrings) thighs. Exercise is limited to light activities such as jogging. However, if knee dislocations occur repeatedly, there is a risk that the meniscus and cartilage of the joints will deteriorate.
Surgery (anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction)It is recommended for young people, those who want to continue competing, and those with a high level of activity. If surgery is necessary, we will refer you to a medical institution that will perform the surgery at the appropriate time. Recovery, including rehabilitation, takes about 6 to 12 months to return to competing.
Rehabilitation after surgeryThe goal is to properly retrain the series of movements of "running → jumping → stopping → changing direction". It progresses in stages to restore the range of motion of the joints, muscle strength, and balance, supporting the determination of whether the athlete can return to competition.
Doctors who treat this disease
The surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon. Our hospital has a plastic surgery specialist from the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on staff.
Frequently asked questions
Q. The pain has subsided and I can walk again. Is it okay not to see a doctor?
A. If you injure the anterior cruciate ligament, even if the pain eases over time, you may still experience knee buckling (the feeling of the knee snapping out). Since repeated knee buckling can cause damage to the meniscus and cartilage in the joints, we recommend checking the condition once.
Q. Do I need surgery?
A. Those who do not wish to return to competition may choose to use rehabilitation to build up their strength without undergoing surgery. For younger people or those who want to continue competing, surgery may be considered. We will discuss the appropriate course of action based on your age and activity level.
Q. How long will it take before I can return to competing?
A. If you undergo surgery, it will take about 6 to 12 months, including rehabilitation.
Related explanatory articles
- A "mumbling" sound in your knee from sports, it could be an ACL injury
- Redesigning Movement" to Avoid Repeated Injuries
- Not only return to competition, but also regain "a body that can move" itself.