Anterior Cruciate Ligament by: James, Mackenzie, and Jenny

Description One of the most common knee injury that is the result of spraining or tearing the anterior cruciate ligament. About half of all injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament occur with damage to other structures Injuries are considered “sprains” and is graded on a severity scale. Grade 1 Sprain Grade 2 Sprain Grade 3 Sprain

Anatomy 4 bones meet at the knee Bones held together by 4 primary ligaments 2 collateral - side to side movement 2 cruciate - front to back movement ACL prevents tibia from sliding in front of the femur

Cause There are severals ways in which the acl can be torn: ●Changing direction rapidly ●Stopping suddenly ●Landing from a jump incorrectly ●Slowing down while running ●Direct contact or collision

Symptoms ●popping noise ●knee giving out ●swelling ●loss in full range of motion SignsSymptoms ●pain ●tenderness along joint line ●discomfort while walking DO NOT IGNORE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Treatment Depends on the individual’s needs and lifestyle Non-surgical options if the overall stability of knee is still intact bracing/crutches physical therapy Surgical reconstruction replace the torn ligament with tissue graft regrowth takes a long time surgery is done with an arthroscope and small incisions graft is threaded through and screwed in

Rehabilitation May involve surgery or not Physical therapy Strengthening Program