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Clinical features of ACL tear

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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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