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The ACL is the most commonly injured knee ligament and is commonly damaged by athletes. The ACL is often torn during sudden dislocation, torsion, or hyperextension of the knee. Swelling that is usually attributed to bleeding from the tear may cause pressure and some discomfort, and can be severely painful. Get more facts about ACL injuries on Wikipedia.
Your doctor has told you that you have a torn anterior cruciate ligament in your knee and has recommended arthroscopic surgery in order to repair it. But what does that actually mean? This video explains your injury.
The doctors at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons have developed this page that provides detailed information covering when you may need to have surgery, what the surgery entails, and recovery. Some of the photographs are graphic.
If you have an ACL injury and are looking for a simple explanation of your treatment options, check out this page's no-frills, easy-to-understand information.
There are several exercises available to help you strengthen the muscles that support the ACL, thereby reducing your risk of ACL injury, and you can learn them at this web site. Though the page addresses women, who are at higher risk of ACL injury, the exercises are appropriate for men, too.
If you are facing ACL reconstruction surgery, check out this short YouTube video. Dr. Bertram Zarins at Mass General Hospital explains how he reconstructs a torn ACL with a mid-3rd patellar tendon graft. 5-star rating, 4:05.
The ACL injury page on AOL Health provides some great information on ACL injuries, grades of injuries, a treatment overview, and prevention discussion. If you have an ACL injury, look here to start your research!
The PEP (Prevent injury, Enhance Performance) Program is a highly specific 15-minute training session that replaces the traditional warm-up. It was developed by a team of physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers and coaches, and has funding support from the Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles (AAF). Designed for soccer players – has applicability to other sports programs.
Want to know what ACL surgery and recovery is really like? Check out this blog, in which an ACL surgical patient diaries their personal journey through the process.
If you have an acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury you should: rest and reduce your activity level, ice and elevate your knee, wrap your knee with an elastic bandage, and take NSAIDs to reduce your pain. Learn the details of how to treat your ACL injury at home from Health.com.