What is the ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major ligaments of the knee. A ligament is a strong band of tissue. Your ACL is located in the middle of your knee and runs from your femur (thigh bone) to tibia (shin bone). The ACL prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur. Together with the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), it provides rotational stability to the knee.
ACL Tear Causes
An ACL injury is typically a sports-related injury. ACL injuries can happen when you twist or hyperextend your knee. An ACL tear can occur during several different movements:
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Rapidly changing direction
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Stopping suddenly
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Slowing down while running
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Pivoting with your foot firmly on the ground
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Landing awkwardly after a jump
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Direct contact from a collision like a football tackle
ACL Tear Symptoms
When you injure your ACL, you may hear a popping sound. You may feel as though the knee has given way. Within the first several hours after injury, your knee will swell. You may have a buckling sensation in the knee during twisting movements.
Find a Pediatric Orthopedic Doctor
Locations & Directions
PRIMARY
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
100 Mario Capecchi Dr
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
801-662-1000
LEHI (MILLER CAMPUS)
PRIMARY
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
2250 N. MIller Campus Drive
Lehi, UT 84043
385-531-1000
LAYTON PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS
201 W Layton Pkwy
Layton, UT 84041
801-546-8450
UTAH VALLEY OUTPATIENT CENTER
1157 N 300 W Ste 302
Provo, UT 85604
801-357-4470
ACL Injury Treatments
ACL treatment options include both surgical and nonsurgical options. If your child’s knee is stable, your provider may recommend nonsurgical methods like RICE:
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Rest
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Ice
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Compression
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Elevation
RICE protocol helps control pain and swelling. You may need a knee brace to help immobilize your knee. Your provider may suggest physical therapy. Physical therapy can improve your child’s knee motion and strength.
Pediatric ACL Reconstruction
Young athletes will most likely need surgery to safely return to sports. The usual surgery for an ACL tear is an ACL reconstruction. ACL reconstruction tightens your knee and restores its stability. During surgery, your child’s surgeon replaces the torn ligament with a tissue graft. The surgeon gets a tissue graft from your knee or hamstring muscle.
After ACL surgery, you will start a rehabilitation program. Your program helps you resume a wider range of activities.
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