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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury - Treatment

Alternative Names

Cruciate ligament injury - anterior; ACL injury; Knee injury - anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

First Aid:

An ACL injury should be treated with:

  • A splint
  • Elevating the joint (above the level of the heart)
  • Ice
  • Pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen)

Do not play again until you have been evaluated and treated.

Some people may need crutches to walk until the swelling and pain have improved. Physical therapy may help you regain joint motion and leg strength.

If you still have instability after your leg strength and knee motion have returned, your doctor may recommend a reconstruction of the ACL. The old ligament cannot be fixed, so a new one needs to be constructed. Common grafts used for reconstruction include:

  • A piece of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia (patellar tendon)
  • Hamstring tendon
  • Human cadaver graft

Do Not:

  • In the case of a serious knee injury, do not try to move the joint. Use a splint to keep the knee straight until a trained medical professional has evaluated it.
  • Do not return to play until you have been evaluated and treated.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Anyone with a serious knee injury should seek medical attention for x-rays and evaluation.

If the foot is cool and blue after a knee injury, the knee may be dislocated and blood vessels to the foot may be injured. This is a true medical emergency that requires immediate professional help.

  • Reviewed last on: 7/17/2008
  • Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Renstrom P, Ljungqvist A, Arendt E, Beynnon B, Fukubayashi T, Garrett W, et al. Non-contact ACL injuries in female athletes: an International Olympic Committee current concepts statement. Br J Sports Med. 2008;42:394-412.

Birmingham TB, Bryant DM, Giffin JR, Litchfield RB, Kramer JF, Donner A, Fowler PJ. A randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of functional knee brace and neoprene sleeve use after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36:648-655.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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