When you suffer a suspected ACL Injury there are a variety of tests and examinations that can be performed in order to diagnose your Injury. In this post we will look at different methods used by physicians to determine:
- If you have sustained an ACL injury
- The severity of your ACL
- Are you able perform any activities from there after
Then we will look at the best possible treatments available to you if you have sustained this injury.
So, let's begin.....
What is an ACL Injury
Firstly, the Anterior Cruciate Ligament is located in both left and right knees and it's main responsibility is to not allow the shin bone to shift out and away from the thigh bone. An injury to this ligament can be a small strain or a complete rupture, during a Contact or Non Contact event and/or activity. The signs of an injury will impact the ligament causing the knee to become painful, swollen and unstable while walking or running.
How to diagnose an ACL Injury
After your injury has occurred your first step should be to contact your local physician to arrange an appointment to speak with them. At your appointment your physician will ask you a series of questions to gather as much information to aid them in diagnosing the problem. Be as descriptive as possible you should set the scene of where the incident took place, what happened during the incident and the signs of an injury that led you to contacting them.
Physical Examination
A verbal discussion about your injury can help your Doctor or Physiotherapist gather some initial information, but a Physical Examination will allow them to evaluate your knees condition at greater depths and diagnose the seriousness of your injury. these test include:
- The Pivot Shift Test
- The Anterior Drawer Test
- The Lachlan Test.
Medical Imaging
Medical Imaging is one of the most commonly used tests you can undergo to help diagnose your injury, as it can paint a picture of the total damage caused inside the knee.
The 3 main types of medical imaging are
- X-ray
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
Each scan/test helps diagnose the injury while also accurately identifying the degree of damage, properly grading your knee.
Medical Devices
There are many devices used by physicians today that actually replicate many of physical examinations however, this technology is sometimes preferred by physicians because of their high level of accuracy and precision. these medical devices include:
- KT1000/2000
- GNRB
- DYNEELAX
Possible Treatments for an ACL Injury
Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy will be the ideal treatment for you if the degree of damage is classified as a grade 1 or 2, with no further damage to any other ligament within the knee. Under the watchful eye of a physiotherapist you will perform strengthening, endurance and mobility exercises that will improve the condition of your ACL, until your knee is 100% again.
Surgery
- If you have unfortunately suffered a grade 3 ACL Injury then surgery may be the correct treatment for you. With success rates been high the majority of patients who suffer this kind of injury choose to have surgery, for reasons like continuing their sporting careers. While some few patients may choose more traditional rehabilitation treatment, but this may have low success rates if your goal is to return to an active sport or social life.
The R.I.C.E. Method
The RICE method can be used for such injuries like sprains, strains or bruises anywhere on the body, with the goal being to reduce the length of time of recover following a knock, bang or awkward landing. This method is not a cure for all injuries and should only be used as the first step in your recovery. To implement this method follow the steps below:
- Rest = Rest from all forms of physical activities to allow your knee time to recover, while also enabling pain and swelling to subside
- Ice = Place an ice pack on the affected area but not directly on the skin for 8-12 minutes 3 times a day, icing slows the volume of blood flowing to the knee and will help decrease the degree of swelling and pain
- Compression = Wrap elastic bandaging around the affected area, the pressure of the bandaging contains the swelling to a minimum. Don't wrap the elastic bandaging too tight around the affected area as this may restrict blood flow causing serious problems.
- Elevate = Raise your leg up so it's higher or equal with the level of your heart. This decreases the amount of blood flowing towards the knee, which will help control the swelling and pain.
Now that you've finished reading what are your thoughts about the information,
- Did you find it helpful?
- What methods have you tried?
- Are you going through this experience right now?
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