The knee joint is one of the most complex “simple” structures in the human body. The knee joint is also amongst the strongest and key joints in the human body. The knee, otherwise known as the tibio-femoral joint, is basically a synovial hinge joint between three bones of the legs: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (or the knee cap).
What is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ?
There are ligaments that connect and stabilize the components of the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament (or the ACL) is a fibrous band (around 2 inches long) that joins the femur (or the thigh bone) to the tibia (or the shin bone). Its job is stabilization of the knee whilst twisting. The cruciate ligament is typically not in action for normal everyday activities, however, it is essential in athletics and sports during side stepping, pivoting or landing from jumps.
When is anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured ?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is frequently injured in running, playing ball or skiing. In playing sports energy and weight is put on the knee and on doing a pivot or landing from a jump, the knee gives way. The ACL often gives way with a snap or a crack accompanied by intense pain. Swelling follows within an hour itself, but it can be decreased by ice or compression. Pain is mostly felt on the outer side of knee as the joint dislocates from its usual position.
What is the treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury ?
The emergency treatment of ligament injury consists of cold ice packs, tight compression bandages and weight-easing crutches. It is hard to bear weight on the affected joint for several days, however, within a week to ten days the swelling will settle with the joint slowly regaining full movement. Treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury may be without surgery (conservative treatment) or with surgery (surgical treatment). Conservative treatment is basically achieved by physical therapy, by reducing swelling, restoring motion and complete muscle power. Physiotherapy and proprioceptive training are needed to learn the protective reflexes in order to safe-guard the joint for customary daily activities. In the ligament repair surgery, a graft will be taken from elsewhere to reconstruct the torn cruciate ligament. Typically two of the hamstring tendons (tendon from backs of thigh) are taken, but at times other suitable graft choices also can be used. The torn remnants of the damaged ACL are removed via keyhole surgery and tunnels are made in the tibia (shin bone) and the femur (thigh bone) to permit the graft to be positioned in the knee. The new reconstructed ligament is then set at both ends to hold it in place. Usually, by four weeks after injury the knee returns to almost normal.
How to find and reach orthopedic surgeons for ACL repair surgery ?
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Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
