Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury

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ACL degrees	ACL injury	Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
Arthroscopy	Normal knee anatomy

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Some people are able to live and function normally with a torn ACL. However, most people complain that their knee is unstable and may "give out" with physical activity. Unrepaired ACL tears may also lead to early arthritis in the affected knee.

ACL tears may be due to contact or noncontact injuries. A blow to the side of the knee, which can occur during a football tackle, may result in an ACL tear.

Coming to a quick stop, combined with a direction change while running, pivoting, landing from a jump, or overextending the knee joint (called hyperextended knee), also can cause injury to the ACL.

Basketball, football, soccer, and skiing are common causes of ACL tears.

Review Date: 08/26/2009
Reviewed By: Dennis Ogiela, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Danbury Hospital, Danbury, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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