Injured your Anterior Cruciate Ligament?  Here's what to do.

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The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is one of the important ligaments located in the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It prevents the tibia from abnormal front sliding on the femur, and abnormal rotation of the femur upon the tibia. The ACL is critical for maintaining the stability of the knee as it moves through the range of motion, during sudden starts and stops, and various cutting and pivoting manoeuvers in athletic activities.

What is an ACL injury?

The ACL is commonly injured in sporting activities from direct contact, for instance during tackle in soccer, or non-contact, such as bad footing in a pot-hole while running on the pitch. Many athletes describe a sensation of the knee joint shifting out of place temporarily at the time of injury. This may be accompanied with a loud “pop” as the ligament ruptures. There will usually be painful swelling in the knee joint due to self-limiting bleeding in the joint, and the athlete is usually unable to return to play because of the painful limp in the affected leg.

What should I do?

Here are some useful measures to take after an acute knee injury:

• Discontinue play.

• Put an ice pack on the knee for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Continue this for the first 3 to 5 days to relieve the pain, and to control the swelling.

• Elevate the injured leg.

• Avoid walking around with a painful limp. Use a pair of crutches for balancing and to help take some weight off the injured leg.

• Consult a doctor.

Find an Orthopaedic Surgeon

Expert Author:

Dr Chong Kian Chun, Island Orthopaedic Consultants