At a glance
What it is
The anterior cruciate ligament prevents forward shift of the tibia and internal rotation. It is the least elastic knee ligament and therefore the most commonly injured, leading to pain, swelling, inflammation and muscle weakness that causes knee instability.
Symptoms
Pain, swelling and inflammation after injury, with loss of muscle strength and knee instability.
Approach
Conservative rehabilitation first, with surgical consultation when necessary. Individualised programs across acute, subacute and chronic phases.
What anterior cruciate ligament injury is
The anterior cruciate ligament is an important ligament structure in the knee joint. It prevents the tibia from shifting anteriorly under the femur (thigh bone). It prevents tibial internal rotation. It protects the joint against inward and outward strains.
The anterior cruciate ligament is the one with the least elasticity of the ligaments around the knee. Therefore, the anterior cruciate ligament is the most injured ligament in the knee. Pain, swelling and inflammation symptoms that occur after anterior cruciate ligament injury lead to loss of strength in the muscles, which causes instability in the knee.
Causes of anterior cruciate ligament injury
Stress on the knee as a result of sudden turning, stopping or changing direction can cause cruciate ligament and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Unstable falling after jumping, blows towards the knee can also cause injury.
The use of unsuitable equipment during sports such as football and skiing can also be caused by playing football on unsuitable grounds such as artificial turf.
Treatment with rehabilitation
In the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury, rehabilitation should be applied with a conservative approach, and surgical consultation should be requested when necessary.
Rehabilitation and conservative treatment are decided according to the patient's age, activity level, profession and future sports-related expectations. The aim of conservative therapy is to return the range of motion in the knee to its normal level, to restore muscle strength, to increase stability and to restore functions to pre-injury levels.
Rehabilitation treatment consists of acute, subacute and chronic phases. The rehabilitation and exercise program to be applied during these periods should be planned individually. Individuals and athletes who want to exercise at a high level in their future life should be evaluated separately according to the degree of damage to the ligament.
Post-surgical rehabilitation
After the anterior cruciate ligament operations, the goal is that the patient can continue his or her life without pain and with almost normal joint mobility and muscle strength.
After current anterior cruciate ligament injuries, there are differences in the post operative rehabilitation process according to the graft type preferred in surgery.
After anterior cruciate ligament injury, in the rehabilitation process, the exercises to be done every week are planned according to the condition of the patient, adhering to a certain protocol, and the variety and intensity of the exercises are progressively increased by following the progression.
What we do at ROMMER for ACL rehabilitation
The protocols to be applied after the detailed examination of our specialist physicians to the patients who have undergone an operation or not, who applied to our center after anterior cruciate ligament injuries, are determined. Thanks to this personalised program, it is possible to achieve success in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Physiotherapy
Core of conservative and post-surgical recovery
Rehabilitation medicine
Physician-directed programmes
- Rehabilitation medicine consultation
- Occupational therapy
- Individualised acute, subacute and chronic phase protocols
- Graft-specific post-operative progression
Surgical coordination
When conservative care is insufficient
- Surgical consultation and referral when necessary
- Post-operative rehabilitation coordinated with surgical protocol
- Progressive return-to-sport assessment for athletes
Related reading
Knee pain
Knee pain from osteoarthritis, ligament or meniscus injury, or kneecap problems. Treatment ranges from physiotherapy to injections and surgery.
Meniscal tear
A tear in the knee's meniscus cartilage causing pain, swelling, and locking. Incomplete tears respond to physiotherapy; advanced tears need surgery and rehabilitation.
Book a consultation
The secretary schedules first appointments during clinic hours; please have prior imaging, operative notes and a current medication list available at the time of the call.
This page provides general information about anterior cruciate ligament injury and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, contact a clinician promptly.