ACL Injuries

The ACL or ‘anterior cruciate ligament’ is an important ligament that is found in the centre of the knee. It helps to maintain knee stability by preventing forward and twisting movements of the tibia (or shin bone) relative to the femur (or thigh bone). Injuries to the ACL are common. They occur most commonly due to twisting, non-contact injuries during sporting activities such as soccer, basketball or netball.

The risk factors for ACL injuries include female gender and familial predisposition. The diagnosis of an ACL injury is made after a thorough clinical assessment of the knee. MRI scans are done to make the diagnosis and to look for concomitant knee injuries, such as meniscal tears and cartilage injuries. 

Some patients with isolated tears of the ACL may be treated non-surgically with a course of rehabilitation. However, patients with symptoms of recurrent knee instability, those with concomitant repairable meniscal tears, and individuals who are keen to return to competitive pivoting sports (such as soccer, basketball or netball) are treated surgically.