Orthopaedics · Bones, joints and movement

Anterior cruciate ligament injury

Understand an ACL sprain or tear and recovery steps matched to personal goals.

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Understand

An anterior cruciate ligament injury is a stretch, partial tear or complete rupture of a central ligament that stabilises the knee.

A pop, pain, rapid swelling, difficulty bearing weight and later instability during pivoting are typical.

It often occurs during a sudden change of direction, landing or twisting movement, with or without contact.

The injury mechanism, swelling and stability tests guide diagnosis and check for associated damage.

MRI may confirm the tear and show meniscus, cartilage or other ligament injury; X-rays help exclude fracture.

Recovery takes months; some knees become stable with rehabilitation while others continue to give way.

Rehabilitation is central for everyone; reconstruction is discussed according to instability, activity, associated injuries and goals.

Seek assessment after a twist with rapid swelling, repeated giving way or difficulty returning to activities.

A deformed, cold or numb knee, inability to bear weight, complete locking or marked pain and swelling requires urgent assessment.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.