PHYSICALLY
A tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament is characterized, most notably, by a "popping" sensation heard or felt in the knee, typically resulting from stop-and-go/pivot movements. Common instances include suddenly shifting directions, coming down from a jump, or changing the pace of a run. The person will usually feel a 'giving way' in the knee, and swelling follows immediately. The feeling of constant instability in the joint is common.
There are various degrees of injury, a complete rupture [tear] most common amongst sprains. Because the knee is a hinge joint, the ACL functions to prevent the knee from sliding front to back (and vice versa). Without this ligament intact, the knee becomes unstable and begins to buckle when these same pivoting motions are made. These injuries are most common in sports emphasizing change of direction, in which the knee can be caught both locking and twisting.
MRI testing is usually required to confirm this knee injury,
While patients with this degree of injury can opt for non-surgical treatment (ex: long distance runners whose sport doesn't involve these pivoting motions), surgery is usually recommended for the knee to return to full strength and range of motion. Typical recovery types from these reconstructive surgeries range from six to nine months, depending on the level of activity the patient opts to return to.
MRI testing is usually required to confirm this knee injury,
While patients with this degree of injury can opt for non-surgical treatment (ex: long distance runners whose sport doesn't involve these pivoting motions), surgery is usually recommended for the knee to return to full strength and range of motion. Typical recovery types from these reconstructive surgeries range from six to nine months, depending on the level of activity the patient opts to return to.