Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament injuries are common in sports that involve jumping, pivoting, or twisting. This article discusses both ACL and PCL injuries. We will explore whether surgery is always necessary, what the procedure involves, and what to expect during recovery.
If you would like more information about how to treat an ACL or PCL injury effectively, contact Brotzman Sports Medicine in Austin, Texas, today!
The cruciate ligaments cross diagonally inside your knee joint to form an X. Anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are found in front of your knees, and the posterior cruciate ligaments (PCL) are found in the back. These ligaments control the front and back movements of your knee.
The ACL stops the tibia (shinbone) from sliding out in front of the femur (thigh bone) and stabilizes the knee. An injury to the ACL is one of the most common knee injuries. They often occur in sports that require pivoting or jumping, such as soccer, football, and basketball. ACL injuries usually require surgery to return to the previous activity level.
The PCL stops the tibia from sliding too far backward. The PCL is much stronger than the ACL and injuries occur less often. Injuries occur in high-impact accidents such as car accidents or falling on a bent knee. They may also occur in sports where impact is likely.
At the time of an ACL injury, you may hear a popping sound, and your knee will give out from under you. Other symptoms include the following:
The symptoms of a PCL injury may include the following:
No, knee ligament injuries do not always require surgery. Surgery will depend on which ligament you injured and the desired outcome following recovery. Knee surgery is usually always required if you have damaged more than one structure in the knee, such as the meniscus or the lateral or medial collateral ligament.
You may require surgery for an ACL injury if:
Many PCL injuries do not require surgery. However, you may require surgery if you have injured other ligaments at the same time. Even if you have an isolated PCL tear, you may benefit from reconstruction if you continue to have instability or pain after receiving non-surgical treatments.
Anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures can be done using a similar surgical technique. Your surgeon will operate using an arthroscope and tiny instruments through small incisions. The procedure generally follows these steps.
After surgery, experiencing some pain is a normal part of the healing process. Your medical team will work to alleviate your discomfort. You will likely be prescribed medications for short-term pain relief.
The risks of ligament reconstruction surgery include the following:
Recovery from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction surgeries requires diligence and patience. Physical therapy is integral to successful recovery, commencing immediately after surgery.
The initial stage of recovery involves looking after your wound. You will need to keep it clean and dry for 7 to 10 days after surgery. During this time, physical therapy will focus on knee flexion and quadriceps control. Your surgeon will determine when you can weight-bear on your leg.
Rehabilitation objectives for ACL reconstruction include the following:
Return to sports is typically permitted when pain and swelling subside, full range of motion is achieved, muscle strength and functional leg use are restored, and neuromuscular control is optimized. Most patients resume sports activities within 6 to 12 months, guided by their progress and overall recovery.
For personalized care and expert advice on ACL and PCL injuries, schedule a consultation with Brotzman Sports Medicine in Austin, TX. Dr. Brotzman can guide you through treatment options and help you on the path to recovery.
Don’t let knee injuries hold you back from an active lifestyle. Take the first step towards recovery today!
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