Explanation and Causes: ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament while PCL stands for posterior cruciate ligament. These two ligaments form basis of the stability in the knee. They are called cruciate ligament because of their “cross-line” orientation respective to one another. The ACL keeps the lower leg or tibia from moving forward and the PCL keeps the lower leg from moving backward under the femur or the upper leg. When this actually happens it allows the two bones to slide back and forth damaging the cartilage that lies between them. This type of injury can lead to permanent instability and arthritis if it is not remedied as soon and effectively as possible. This injury is most common in the athletic genres although also seen in car accidents, regular walking and other daily activities where a bad angle can lead to a major knee injury. More women than men experience an ACL or PCL injury for unknown reasons. Some causes include:

  • Being hit from the side of the knee
  • Landing from jumping while turning
  • Pivoting
  • Slowing down too fast from running
  • Overextending the knee

Symptoms:

  • Popping sound at the time of injury
  • Severe pain
  • Swelling in the knee
  • Feeling of looseness in the joint

Diagnosis and Tests:

  • MRI
  • X-ray

Treatments: Treatment options are few and neither is pain free. First option is for those who wish a fast recovery to get back to an active lifestyle that necessitates a functioning, pain free knee. Surgery is the quickest way back to activity coupled with intense physical therapy and rehabilitation. Usual activity can assumed within 7-9 months after surgery. If you are someone who is not real active and your age limits your recovery time anyway, rehabilitation only might be the better option. This option takes a much longer time and is more prone to re-injury more pain throughout the recovery. Prevention: The best type of prevention is physical training in ways to protect the knee and knowing positions of the knee to avoid. Compound braces have not been shown to make any significant decrease in the number ACL and PCL injuries.

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