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ACL TEAR

Injury that Occurs in Knee ACL Tear

Introduction

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major ligament in the knee that helps to stabilize the joint. It is one of the four main ligaments that connect the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). The ACL prevents the tibia from sliding forward on the femur and helps to control rotational movements of the knee.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

An ACL tear occurs when the ligament is stretched or torn. This can happen as a result of a sudden twisting motion of the knee, a direct blow to the knee, or a fall. ACL tears are most common in young, active people who participate in sports that involve pivoting or cutting, such as soccer, basketball, and football.

Symptoms of an ACL Tear

The symptoms of an ACL tear can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

  1. Sudden pain in the knee
  2. Swelling
  3. Instability of the knee
  4. Locking or catching of the knee
  5. Weakness in the knee

Diagnosis of an ACL Tear

The diagnosis of an ACL tear is usually made based on a physical examination and imaging tests. The physical examination may reveal tenderness, swelling, and instability of the knee. Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can help to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other injuries.

Treatment of an ACL Tear

The treatment of an ACL tear depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s activity level. Nonsurgical treatment may be an option for people who do not participate in high-level sports. Nonsurgical treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) therapy. The patient may also need to wear a brace or cast to protect the knee.
Surgical treatment is usually recommended for people who participate in high-level sports or who have a high demand on their knees. Surgical treatment involves reconstructing the ACL with a graft from another part of the body, such as the hamstring tendons or the patellar tendon.

Prognosis of an ACL Tear

The prognosis for an ACL tear is usually good. Most people who undergo surgery are able to return to their pre-injury level of activity. However, there is a risk of re-injury, especially in people who participate in high-level sports.

Prospective Randomized Controlled Studies on ACL Tear

There have been a number of prospective randomized controlled studies (RCTs) on the treatment of ACL tear. These studies have compared the effectiveness of surgical treatment to nonsurgical treatment. The results of these studies have shown that surgical treatment is more effective than nonsurgical treatment in terms of restoring stability to the knee and allowing people to return to their pre-injury level of activity.

Conclusion

ACL tear is a common injury that can occur in the knee. The symptoms of an ACL tear can vary depending on the severity of the injury. The treatment of an ACL tear depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s activity level. Surgical treatment is usually recommended for people who participate in high-level sports or who have a high demand on their knees. The prognosis for an ACL tear is usually good. Most people who undergo surgery are able to return to their pre-injury level of activity.

Types Of ACL Tear or ACL Injuries

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tears can be categorized into two primary types based on the extent of the injury and the involvement of the ligament:

ACL tear

  1. Partial ACL Tear: In a partial ACL tear, only a portion of the ACL fibers is damaged or torn. This means that some parts of the ligament are still intact and functioning. The severity of a partial tear can vary, and it may or may not require surgical intervention. Treatment options depend on the individual’s symptoms, activity level, and the extent of the tear. Some partial ACL tears can be managed conservatively with physical therapy and rehabilitation, while others may require surgery if they cause significant instability or are associated with other knee injuries.
  2. Complete ACL Tear: A complete ACL tear involves the total rupture of the ligament, where it is torn into two separate pieces. This type of tear significantly compromises knee stability and often requires surgical intervention for individuals who wish to return to activities that involve pivoting, cutting, or strenuous physical demands. A complete ACL tear is typically more symptomatic, causing significant pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. Surgical reconstruction of the ACL is a common treatment approach for complete tears, involving the replacement of the torn ligament with a graft, often from the patient’s own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft).
    It’s important to note that the specific classification of an ACL tear (partial or complete) and the recommended treatment can vary from case to case. Factors such as an individual’s age, activity level, overall knee health, and the presence of other knee injuries can influence the treatment plan. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, including physical examination and imaging studies, is essential to determine the appropriate course of action for each individual with an ACL tear.

Knee ACL Tear Prevention

Introduction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common and serious knee injury, especially among athletes participating in sports that involve sudden stops, jumps, and changes in direction like basketball, soccer, and football. Preventing ACL tears is crucial to avoid the pain, lost playing time, and potential long-term joint problems associated with ACL injuries. This statement will review evidence-based ACL injury prevention strategies, focusing on training programs, technique modification, and equipment/environment changes.

Neuromuscular Training Programs

Multiple prospective randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that structured neuromuscular training programs significantly reduce ACL tears in female athletes. These programs emphasize proper landing and cutting technique, balance training, plyometrics, strengthening, and agility drills. A 2020 meta-analysis found that neuromuscular training lowered ACL tear risk by 51% in female athletes. Key principles for effective training include initiating programs before ACL injury risk is highest, assuring program adoption through supervision and feedback, and ensuring high compliance rates through progressive skill development.

Technique Modification

Landing and cutting techniques that increase ACL strain can directly contribute to injury risk. Controlled studies show feedback focused on landing softly with increased knee and hip flexion reduces peak vertical ground reaction forces. Telling athletes to “land softly“ or “avoid stiff landings“ combined with demonstrations of proper technique effectively changed dangerous movement patterns. Simulations training athletes to “land like a gymnast“ also reduced landing forces. In addition, coaching players to cut with wider foot alignments and avoid excessive knee valgus moments helped optimize cutting biomechanics.

Equipment/Environment Modifications

The shoe-surface interface is another modifiable ACL injury risk factor. A randomized study revealed that increased shoe traction from cleats significantly increased peak knee valgus moments on artificial turf. Switching to turf shoes reduced this loading. Altering playing surface has also proven effective. Female soccer players randomized to artificial turf had a 2.4 times higher ACL tear rate than those playing on natural grass. Improving turf softness through infill modifications like organic matter reduces biomechanical ACL injury risk factors. Environment changes like course layout, obstacle position, and visual cues help optimize technique and alignment during cutting and landing.

Conclusion

The execution and adherence to proper neuromuscular training protocols, individual technique modifications, and adaptations to equipment and the playing environment have all demonstrated efficacy in reducing ACL tears through prospective, randomized studies. Implementing these prevention strategies can protect both male and female athletes from the risks associated with ACL ruptures.

MRI Findings of ACL Tear

Introduction

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that helps stabilize the knee joint. ACL tears are a common knee injury, especially in athletes who participate in sports that involve sudden stops, jumping, and pivoting motions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing ACL tears due to its high sensitivity and specificity. This report will provide an overview of the MRI findings associated with ACL tears.

MRI Technique

MRI is performed utilizing sequences that allow detailed evaluation of the ACL, typically including proton density, T2-weighted, and T1-weighted sequences in multiple planes. Coronal, sagittal, and axial images enable visualization of the ACL in its full length. MRI performed at 1.5T or 3T with a dedicated knee coil provides optimal spatial resolution for identifying ACL abnormalities.

Direct Findings

The most reliable direct MRI evidence of an ACL tear is visualization of ligament discontinuity on T2 weighted images. The torn ends of the ligament may be wavy, irregular or retracted. Abnormal morphology with ligament thickening, edema or hemorrhage are supportive findings. A partial tear is suggested when there is focal thinning, distortion or increased signal within the ligament. Contrast enhancement of the ACL on T1 weighted images can also indicate a tear.

Indirect Findings

Abnormalities of secondary restraints that occur due to increased motion and instability from an ACL tear may be visible. These include bone bruises, Segond fractures, anterior translation of the tibia, buckling of the PCL, edema and sprain of secondary stabilizers like the MCL, posterior lateral corner structures, and menisci. The posterior horn of the medial meniscus is often displaced in patients with ACL tear. Impingement of the intercondylar notch roof on the femur during extension can result in notch osteophytes. These indirect findings raise suspicion for ACL tear even when the ligament itself appears intact.

Grading

MRI allows ACL tears to be graded in terms of severity:

Grade 1 (Low-grade partial tear): Increased intraligamentous signal without ligamentous discontinuity.

Grade 2 (High-grade partial tear): Noticeable thinning and increased T2 signal spanning over half of the ligament width, suggesting substantial ligamentous disruption.

Grade 3 (Complete tear): Complete disruption of ACL fibers with visualization of ligament ends, retraction and hemorrhage.

Associated Pathologies

It is important to evaluate for concurrent injuries that often accompany ACL tears:

  • Bone marrow contusions and fractures
  • Meniscal tears
  • Collateral ligament tears
  • Posterior cruciate ligament injury
  • Loose bodies
  • Patellar or quadriceps tendon tears

Conclusion

In summary, MRI allows for accurate diagnosis of ACL tears through direct visualization of ligament disruption and morphologic abnormalities. Indirect signs such as excessive anterior tibial translation and injuries to secondary restraints provide additional evidence. MRI grading of injury severity guides appropriate treatment, which ranges from conservative management to surgical reconstruction. Concurrent pathologies are also well characterized on MRI.

Nonoperative Management of ACL Tear Based on Age

Introduction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common knee injury, especially in young athletes involved in sports like soccer, football, and basketball that require frequent pivoting, cutting, and jumping movements. The ACL is one of the key stabilizing ligaments in the knee joint. When it is torn, the knee becomes less stable and more prone to episodes of “giving way.“ This can make it difficult to return to sports activities and increases the risk of additional injuries to the meniscus cartilage or other ligaments. Treatments for ACL tears include surgical reconstruction and nonoperative rehabilitation. The choice depends on factors like the patient’s age, activity level, degree of knee instability, and willingness to modify activities.

Younger Patients (<25 years old)

Younger, athletic patients who wish to return to pivoting sports are often best served by ACL reconstruction surgery. Nonoperative treatment carries a much higher risk of recurrent instability episodes and secondary meniscus and cartilage injuries in young patients attempting to resume high-demand activities. Approximately 90% of young athletes who attempt to return to competitive sports with nonoperative treatment of their ACL tear will experience recurrent instability and up to 40% will sustain secondary meniscus tears within 2 years. Given the high failure rates and secondary injury risks, nonoperative management is generally not recommended for young athletic patients desiring to return to pivoting sports after ACL tear.

Middle-Aged Patients (25-40 years old)

Outcomes of nonoperative rehabilitation are better in middle-aged patients compared to younger patients. Some middle-aged patients are able to successfully return to non-pivoting recreational sports with nonoperative treatment. However, recurrent instability still occurs in 15-25% of middle-aged patients attempting nonoperative management. The higher failure rates compared to older patients relate to younger age and often higher activity levels. Careful patient selection is important when considering nonoperative treatment in middle-aged patients. Those willing to accept activity modifications and some degree of instability may still be candidates for nonoperative management.

Older Patients (>40 years old)

Nonoperative treatment is most successful for low-demand older patients over the age of 40. Older patients are generally less active and more amenable to activity modifications that protect the knee from instability episodes. Approximately 90% of older patients can return to normal daily activities without surgery if they avoid high-risk pivoting sports. Bracing can further improve stability and reduce giving way episodes. While ACL reconstruction still produces better knee stability, the risks and prolonged recovery of surgery are more difficult to justify in older patients with lower athletic demands. Thus, nonoperative management is typically the first-line treatment for ACL tears in patients over 40 years old.

In summary, treatment of ACL tears with nonoperative rehabilitation versus surgical reconstruction depends greatly on the patient’s age and athletic demands. While nonsurgical treatment is an option across all age groups, it carries higher failure risks the younger the patient is and the higher the desired activity level is. Careful patient selection and counseling are paramount to achieve satisfactory outcomes with nonsurgical management.

Risk of Meniscal Tears and Knee Degeneration with ACL Deficiency

Introduction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are frequently accompanied by meniscal and cartilage damage. Left untreated, ACL deficiency leads to a high risk of subsequent meniscal tears, progressive chondral wear, and early-onset knee osteoarthritis (OA). Understanding this risk is important when counseling patients on ACL management options.

Risk of Meniscal Tears

Without the ACL to stabilize anterior translation of the tibia, shear forces on the meniscus are significantly increased. This places the meniscus at high risk for new tears or extension of existing tears. Prospective studies show a linear correlation between time from ACL injury and risk of new meniscal tears. At 5 years post-injury, over 50% of ACL deficient knees develop new meniscal pathology. Young athletes returning to pivoting sports have rupture rates up to 15 times higher than non-athletes. Early ACL reconstruction is advised to protect the meniscus in active populations.

Patterns of Meniscal Tears

The posteromedial meniscus bears increased load in the ACL deficient knee and is most prone to new injury. Horizontal cleavage tears along the body and posterior horn are common due to increased rotational forces. Retearing or extension of prior treated meniscal tears also frequently occurs without an intact ACL. Prior partial meniscectomy may accelerate cartilage wear in the setting of ACL deficiency.

Progression of Chondral Damage

ACL tears are often accompanied by focal cartilage injury, which tends to expand over time. A study of chronic ACL deficiency showed progression of chondral damage in over 70% of patients at 5 years. Cartilage softening begins as early as 2 months post-injury. Full thickness cartilage loss is noted in over 50% of chronic ACL deficiencies. This correlates to higher risks of mechanical symptoms and osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis Risk

ACL deficiency is one of the strongest risk factors for early-onset knee OA, with odds ratios over 10 compared to knees with intact ACLs. By 10 years after injury, up to 90% of ACL deficient knees demonstrate radiographic osteoarthritis changes. ACL reconstruction is only partially protective, with OA rates of 0-13% at 1-5 years but increasing to 21-48% at 10+ years despite surgery. Other factors like limb alignment and secondary meniscal deficiency also contribute to OA development.

In summary, ACL deficiency substantially increases the risk of meniscal tears, progressive chondral damage, and knee osteoarthritis over time. Surgical reconstruction should be considered in active patients to help slow this degenerative process. However, some risk persists despite ACL reconstruction. Conservative management may be appropriate in lower demand individuals willing to modify activities.

Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction(ALL) in ACL Injuries

Introduction

Injury to the anterolateral ligament (ALL) often accompanies ACL tears. Lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) to address anterolateral rotatory instability were historically performed but later abandoned due to complications. Recently, isolated anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) has regained interest as an adjunct to ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

Rationale

The ALL acts as a secondary restraint to internal tibial rotation. ALL injuries occur in up to 90% of ACL tears. Biomechanical studies show ALLR reduces rotational laxity when added to ACLR. Chronic ACL-deficient knees develop increased tibial rotation that ACLR alone may not fully correct.

Outcomes of ALLR with ACLR

A recent review found ACLR + ALLR versus isolated ACLR results in:

  • Lower ACL graft rupture rate
  • Lower reoperation rate after medial meniscal repair
  • Greater return to preinjury activity level
  • Less residual pivot shift and better function scores in chronic ACL tears

These findings suggest ALLR enhances rotational control and outcomes when combined with ACLR, especially in higher demand patients.

Analysis

The advantages of modern ALLR differ from historical LEAP complications like overconstraint and degenerative changes. Selective use of ALLR in indicated patients appears beneficial. Further study is still needed on ideal surgical techniques and patient selection criteria.

In summary, addition of ALLR to ACLR demonstrates improved stability, joint function, and return to sport with no evidence of adverse events that previously limited LEAP procedures. ALLR should be considered to optimize outcomes in certain ACL-injured knees with concomitant ALL disruption.

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© 2023 Dr. Robert Afra – San Diego Orthopedic Surgery Shoulder – Knee – Elbow

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