Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

The knee is stabilized by the cruciate (or cross) ligament. If the knee is bent beyond its normal range or twisted excessively, the anterior cruciate (ACL), may break completely. You may feel a popping sensation, swelling, and pain. You may feel your knees giving way or you might feel unstable. The initial treatment is rest, ice and elevation. Recovery may be made easier by physical therapy that combines progressive strengthening with functional exercise. Surgery is recommended if knee instability continues. To reconstruct the ligament, the middle third of the patellar tendon or hamstrings may be used.

ACL tears are common among teenage female athletes. Research in sports medicine and clinical practice has shown that preventive training can reduce the likelihood of ACL injuries in teenage female athletes.