Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An anterior cruciate (KROO-she-at) ligament (ACL) injury is a partial or complete tear of the ACL. A ligament is a strong elastic tissue that connects one bone to another. The ACL is located in the knee and connects the tibia (shin bone) to the femur (thigh bone) and keeps the knee stable. An ACL injury may be caused by a hard blow on the side of the knee. It may also happen when the knee is forcefully twisted with the foot placed firmly on the ground. An ACL injury may occur in sports, such as football or basketball, car accidents, or falls. When the ACL is injured, other ligaments or other parts of the knee may also be injured.
  
  
• A pop, snap, or tear may be heard or felt when your ACL is injured. You may have sudden swelling or pain and feel your knee is giving way. Over time, your affected knee may become more unstable even during normal activities. Caregivers may check for an ACL injury by looking for any abnormal knee movements. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an x-ray, or arthroscopy may be done to look for ACL tears. Treatment will depend on how severe the ACL injury is and whether other ligaments are affected. Surgery may be needed for a bad ACL tear with other injuries. With treatment, such as medicine and surgery, you will usually be able to return to your previous activities.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Walking and home safety:

You may need to use crutches to decrease stress and strain on your knee. It is important to use crutches correctly. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to use crutches.

To keep from falling, remove loose carpeting from the floor. Using chairs with side arms and hard cushions will make it easier for you to get up and out of a chair. You may want to put a chair inside the shower.

Wearing a brace:

You may need to wear a knee brace. A knee brace will help protect your knee and keep it from moving too much so it can heal faster. Ask your caregiver for more information and instructions on wearing a knee brace.

Physical therapy:

You may need to see a physical therapist to teach you special exercises. These exercises help improve movement and decrease pain. Physical therapy can also help improve strength and decrease your risk for loss of function.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You feel your knee brace is too tight.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your injury, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your knee becomes more unstable.
  
  
• Your pain has increased or returned, even after taking your pain medicine as prescribed by your caregiver.
  
  
• Your swelling has increased or returned.
  
  
• Your symptoms are not getting better.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury (Aftercare Instructions)