ACL Injury Research Paper

Many people do not understand the significant role ligaments have in our knees. From walking to sitting to kneeling, the ligaments are constantly providing support for the knee. The next few paragraphs will explain what the ACL is, the signs and symptoms of an ACL injury, and how it is repaired. To begin, ACL stands for Anterior Cruciate Ligament. An ACL is one of the two ligaments in the center of the knee that helps hold the femur to the tibia and properly stabilizes the knee (Still 4). Twisting and/or hyperextension of the knee commonly cause an ACL injury. An ACL injury is a very common in sports such as basketball, football, and soccer, however, an ACL injury can happen in other sports and occupations as well. The immediate effect of an

The way in which the ACL is repaired merely depends on which type the surgeon is most comfortable performing. An arthroscope is inserted into the knee through three to five small incisions. This method allows the surgeon to see the ACL damage on a television monitor. A small piece of the femur and tibia are used to put the patellar tendon or hamstring graft in place. The patellar tendon is then put through a small incision in the front of the knee to help secure where the ACL used to be (Still 6). Two small screws are used to seal the two ends of where the graft was placed. These screws will become covered in bone and remain permanent anchors in the knee (Scott 5). After surgery, patients will find relief by icing and taking Tylenol. About three weeks after surgery, the patient will meet with the surgeon for a follow-up. At this appointment the patient will get an X-ray of the knee and sutures will be removed. Throughout the healing process, the patient should constantly ice to reduce swelling and pain. The scar should be covered until the doctor says the bandage may be removed (Scott