ACL Rupture Quick Links:
ACL Ruptures; who gets them and why?
It’s not only sporting professionals who may suffer an ACL rupture. I often see this injury in those over 40 due to ageing. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons become shorter and harder over time, meaning the older you are, the more prone to injury.
This is why we see professional sports players retiring before 40.
Still, I am more inclined to see sports players who want to continue their careers in my surgery, so the percentage of younger patients I see for Arthroscopic ACL Surgery is far greater.
80% of ruptures occur due to twisting and changing direction, leaving 20% due to high impact; this may be in sports or accidents such as falling.
ACL Ruptures; who gets them and why?
It’s not only sporting professionals who may suffer an ACL rupture. I often see this injury in those over 40 due to ageing. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons become shorter and harder over time, meaning the older you are, the more prone to injury.
This is why we see professional sports players retiring before 40.
Still, I am more inclined to see sports players who want to continue their careers in my surgery, so the percentage of younger patients I see for Arthroscopic ACL Surgery is far greater.
80% of ruptures occur due to twisting and changing direction, leaving 20% due to high impact; this may be in sports or accidents such as falling.
Signs and symptoms of an ACL Rupture
Those who suffer an ACL rupture know instantly due to the sharp pain within the knee joint on impact. It is evident when the patient tries to stand or place weight on the joint. Other symptoms include;
- A loud popping sound or sensation in the knee
- Rapid swelling
- Loss of motion
- Instant swelling and inflammation
- Pain – Depending on the severity of the injury
- Inability to walk or place weight on the affected knee
Signs and symptoms of an ACL Rupture
Those who suffer an ACL rupture know instantly due to the sharp pain within the knee joint on impact. It is evident when the patient tries to stand or place weight on the joint. Other symptoms include;
- A loud popping sound or sensation in the knee
- Rapid swelling
- Loss of motion
- Instant swelling and inflammation
- Pain – Depending on the severity of the injury
- Inability to walk or place weight on the affected knee
When should I seek help for an ACL Rupture?
You should stop what you are doing and RICE immediately after the injury occurs – Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate.
As soon as you can, seek a full diagnosis. A doctor can examine and determine the extent of the injury by performing a physical examination and imaging.
If a full rupture is diagnosed, you will want to discuss surgery. Torn ACLs will not repair on their own, so surgery is the most appropriate long term treatment offered.
Without surgery, the knee can become arthritic and cause you chronic pain in the future.
I aim to preserve and repair the ACL with surgery using anatomic placement techniques with maximal footprint coverage. During surgery, I can also make any repairs needed to the meniscus and articular cartilage. This gives us a 100% success rate in reducing knee instability and decreasing any future requirement for knee replacement.
The technique applied will be unique to you and your circumstances. For example, sports players with a long career ahead would be advised to have a full repair and recovery treatment plan. In contrast, I would offer partial procedures to those who are over 40 and have developed arthritis and suffered degenerative weakness within the knee joint.
Diagnosing an ACL Rupture
Physically
An ACL rupture can often be diagnosed during a physical examination. Physical exams often include testing for a range of motion, tenderness and visually spotting signs of swelling.
MRI / imaging test
X-rays and MRI can be taken of the joint to see if a rupture is detected and check other structures within the knee for damage.
Ultrasound
A more preferred imaging method would be an ultrasound, which is far more accurate in most cases.
When should I seek help for an ACL Rupture?
You should stop what you are doing and RICE immediately after the injury occurs – Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate.
As soon as you can, seek a full diagnosis. A doctor can examine and determine the extent of the injury by performing a physical examination and imaging.
If a full rupture is diagnosed, you will want to discuss surgery. Torn ACLs will not repair on their own, so surgery is the most appropriate long term treatment offered.
Without surgery, the knee can become arthritic and cause you chronic pain in the future.
I aim to preserve and repair the ACL with surgery using anatomic placement techniques with maximal footprint coverage. During surgery, I can also make any repairs needed to the meniscus and articular cartilage. This gives us a 100% success rate in reducing knee instability and decreasing any future requirement for knee replacement.
The technique applied will be unique to you and your circumstances. For example, sports players with a long career ahead would be advised to have a full repair and recovery treatment plan. In contrast, I would offer partial procedures to those who are over 40 and have developed arthritis and suffered degenerative weakness within the knee joint.
Diagnosing an ACL Rupture
Physically
An ACL rupture can often be diagnosed during a physical examination. Physical exams often include testing for a range of motion, tenderness and visually spotting signs of swelling.
MRI / imaging test
X-rays and MRI can be taken of the joint to see if a rupture is detected and check other structures within the knee for damage.
Ultrasound
A more preferred imaging method would be an ultrasound, which is far more accurate in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have compiled answers to several faqs for this procedure: