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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear: A risk not just for athletes.
How is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) important for walking?
Our knee joint contains four main ligaments that help stabilize it during movement. These ligaments control the direction of movement between the femur and tibia, and also absorb forces from various daily activities such as walking, running, or squatting.
One of the most important ligaments is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which runs diagonally from the femur down to the tibia. Its primary function is to "lock" the tibia, preventing it from moving too far forward, especially when stopping abruptly, jumping, or changing direction suddenly.
Or, to put it simply, ligaments are the pillars that support the knee joint, allowing for stable movement. When even a single ligament tears, it can immediately affect the entire knee system. When ligaments tear: from a split-second accident to chronic problems.
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear occurs from sudden twisting or jerking forces, such as falling while running, a sudden change in posture during sports, or even just misstepping on an uneven surface. If the force applied exceeds what the ligament can withstand, it can tear in a fraction of a second.
Silent warning signs you shouldn't ignore: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear doesn't always hurt.
What causes many people to be unaware of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in the early stages is that the initial symptoms may not be severe. Some patients can still walk or only feel slight knee pain. However, over time, the abnormalities will become more apparent, such as fatigue after walking long distances, a feeling of "knee instability," or a sensation of "the knee about to collapse" when bearing weight.
Behaviors and at-risk groups to watch out for.
While anyone can tear an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), some groups are at higher risk, especially those who frequently engage in activities or movements involving "sudden stops, rapid turns, or incorrect weight bearing." This includes athletes who perform high-intensity running or sudden jerks, as well as people who frequently climb stairs or travel on slippery surfaces without proper balance, all of which can cause sudden jerks leading to ACL tears.
Accurate diagnostic methods and treatment options.
Therefore, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are no longer uncommon. Early detection and consultation with a specialist ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. At S Hospital, we focus on identifying the root cause of the injury through movement assessment and utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as X-rays and MRI to assess ligament damage and severity, enabling effective treatment planning.
For mild cases, doctors may recommend non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, strengthening the muscles around the joint, and the use of braces to help reduce impact during use.
However, if these methods do not improve the condition, Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) may be a suitable option. It allows for precise repair of torn ligaments, minimizes scarring, speeds recovery, and restores knee stability for effective movement.
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