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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear {text:bookmark-end}
Trevor Stringer
Wayland Baptist University
EXSS 2304 Safety, First Aid and CPR
Dr. Paul Benton Lankford
September 29, 2009
Abstract
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the four strong ligaments connecting the bones of the knee joint.
Most ACL injuries occur during athletic activity or non-sport related occurrences.
The diagnosis of an ACL tear is based on a physical examination, radiographic evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and KT 1000 test.
The initial goal of treatment after an ACL injury is to reduce pain and swelling, regain range of motion, strengthen the knee to reduce recovery time and complications after surgery or rehabilitation without surgery.
Post injury rehabilitation is a team approach by the physician, patient and physical therapist.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
The knee is a hinge joint made up of three bones held firmly together by ligaments that stabilize the joint. The bones that meet at the knee are the upper leg bone, the femur, the lower leg bone, the tibia and the knee cap, also called the patella. A smooth protective layer lines the bones inside the joint, cartilage allows the bones to slide smoothly upon each other. Ligaments are dense structures of connective tissue that fasten bone to bone and stabilize the knee. Inside the knee joint are two major ligaments; the anterior cruciate ligament ( ACL) and the poster cruciate ligament (PCL). The ACL and PCL cross in the center of the knee. They are called cruciate ligaments, because they form a cross, much like a crucifix. The ligaments control the backward and forward motion of the knee. The ACL in particular restrains excessive forward motion of the knee, as well as the inward twisting or rotation of the knee. The ACL is frequently injured in severe twisting injuries of the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament provides...