Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common sports medicine complaints in the United States. There are approximately 150,000 ACL injuries annually with the majority of them occurring via non-contact mechanisms. Assessment of the knee should be performed immediately after an ACL injury and includes a comprehensive history and physical exam. The Lachman test is most accurate in diagnosing an ACL injury. Magnetic resonance imaging confirms the diagnosis of an ACL injury and also evaluates the surrounding soft tissue for concomitant injury. Treatment depends on the extent of injury as well as the activity level of what the patient desires. Both conservative treatment and post-operative care include extensive rehabilitation to increase range of motion and stability to the knee joint. Complications of ACL injuries most commonly involve chronic pain and eventual osteoarthritis. Prevention of an ACL injury requires a dedicated regimen of strength and neuromuscular training.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 8-12 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Osteopathic Family Physician |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 20 2015 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2015 ACOFP. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- Injury
- Knee
- Test
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Family Practice