Overview of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL is situated deep inside the knee joint. It acts as the connective ligament between the thigh and shin bones. The ACL primary function is to stop the shin moving too far forwards and to prevent the knee excessively rotating. The ACL is an essential component when stabilizing the knee joint.

What is ACL Knee Injury?

ACL knee injuries occur due to moderate to severe trauma from impact. Severe impacts during a rugby tackle can cause the ACL to rupture. Harder tackles can also involve and tear the Posterior Cruciate Ligament. The typical trauma occurs due to excessive twisting of the knee or landing very hard from a fall. Players will complain of pain on the outside and back of the knee.

At the time of impact the knee may be in a bent or an overextended position. ACL knee injuries are becoming more and more common due to the increased intensity of rugby.

The rugby player may feel a sudden snap or pop, which is a bad sound for a rugby player! This will be followed by intense pain depending on the level of damage to the ACL.

In severe cases other ligaments such as the Medial Collateral Ligament as well as the Menisci Cartilage can be damaged. Bleeding inside the knee joint will occur and the player may have a swollen painful knee joint.

In mild cases the rugby player may feel that he/she is still able to play but once the ACL loses its structure it will no longer be effective in knee joint rotation and the knee will become instable.

Treatment

Ice packs should be immediately placed on the knee after the injury. This should be repeated every twenty minutes for two hours; this will reduce swelling and bleeding inside the joint. Due to swelling around the knee medical professionals may find this injury hard to diagnose. Ice packs and cold compression should be used for the swelling to decrease. An MRI or arthroscope will be used to assess the laxity of the joint.

Rehabilitation usually includes a knee brace which improves the strength and stability of the joint. It can be used even during physical activities. ACL reconstruction knee surgery is indicated for individuals who did not present much improvement from the knee brace or need to be in full operating status. The surgery restores knee function fully by taking a patella tendon strip from the patient to replace the ACL. Modern techniques have made it possible for individuals to resume sports activity within six months.

Prevention Tips

The extent and risk of injury is dependent on the size of the ACL. The smaller the ACL, the bigger the chance of acquiring injury and the larger the extent of the damage. Pro-prioception training which makes use of a wobble board and taking a break from physical activities when fatigued greatly prevent ACL knee injury incidences.

Rugby Rescue Recommends Knee Supports

5 Star Rating

Excellent medial and lateral support ideal for footballers. This wrap around design knee brace is suitable for cases of knee instability due to knee ligament injuries.

How does it work?

This high quality knee brace is lightweight and comfortable, with lock-stitch taped seams and fully trimmed edges for durability. The flexible spiral stays and dual criss-cross elastic straps create firm medial and lateral knee support which reproduce the effect of a tape job to support the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the knee.

The upper and lower Velcro fasteners act as 'anchors' and knee stabilisers to maintain maximum support. This provides support without compromising mobility and may be more suitable for those engaged in activities that would be overly compromised by a hinged support.

When can I use it?

*Extremely effective in relieving knee pain by taking the stress off knee ligaments that may be injured. *Perfect for injuries to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL).
*Also provides knee pain relief and knee support following a Cartilage injury or when there is mild Arthritis in the knee.
*Ideal knee brace when you require good knee support but need to maintain full movement.

Excellent medial and lateral support ideal for footballers. Multi-tiered, plush-lined elastic body with wraparound design.

The Knee sport strap is designed to simulate knee joint strapping techniques used to support the collateral knee ligaments and restrict joint rotation but still enable running