Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

The ACL is one of the four ligaments of the knee and runs down the thigh bone (femur), passes through the knee and into the shin bone (tibia). Its purpose is to stabilize the knee and prevent the tibia from moving forward, underneath the femur. A tear usually happens accidentally and can not be prevented. Tears can occur when the knee is twisted to change directions suddenly, while the foot remains planted on the ground. It can also happen in the event of a direct blow to the knee. Women are much more prone to this injury than men.

When a tear takes place, a pop or crack may be heard. The knee becomes unstable and there is extensive swelling. This type of injury is extremely painful, and the victim is left unable to fully extend the leg.

In the event of an ACL tear, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) should be applied. Surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament is almost always needed once an X-Ray or MRI confirms the diagnosis. Rehabilitation time following the surgery can range from five to nine months, depending on the rehabilitation program and patient's personal progress.

Orlando, Florida 20 North Orange Avenue Suite 1600 Orlando, Florida 32801 Telephone: (800) 896-2709	Tampa, Florida One Tampa City Center 201 N. Franklin Street, 7th Floor Tampa, Florida 33602 Telephone: (800) 896-2709	Jacksonville, Florida 76 S. Laura Street Suite 1100 Jacksonville, Florida 32202 Telephone: (800) 896-2709	Fort Myers, Florida 12800 University Drive Suite 600 Fort Myers, Florida 33907 Telephone: (800) 896-2709	Davie, Florida 7450 Griffin Road Suite 230 Davie, Florida 33314 Telephone: (800) 896-2709
St. Petersburg, Florida 695 Central Avenue, Suite 150J St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 Telephone: (800) 896-2709	Atlanta, Georgia 191 Peachtree Street NE Suite 4200 Atlanta, GA 30303 Telephone: (800) 896-2709	Jackson, Mississippi 188 East Capitol St Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Telephone: (800) 896-2709	Tavares, Florida 14229 US 441 Tavares, Florida 32778 Telephone: (800) 896-2709