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Clinical features of ACL tear

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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clinical features

Typically ACL injury is seen in noncontact deceleration or change of direction e.g - in instances where the athlete lands from a jump awkwardly or pivots in the opposite direction (1).

  • patient may hear a 'pop' sound or may feel tearing sensation and may collapse to the ground due to the knee giving away (1)
  • there is sever pain which decreases within minutes and the patient may be able to weight bear, albeit gingerly (2)

A rapid onset of swelling within 3 hours of injury is seen in around 80% of the patients.

  • swelling is caused by haemarthrosis due to torn ACL
  • intra articular fracture (seen in high energy injuries) may also cause haemartrosis
  • gradual swelling (over 24 hours) does not rule out ACL tears (1)

Attempts to continue activity following injury often causes instability and difficulty in bearing weight (1)

Reference:

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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