The anterior cruciate ligament is one of 4 major ligaments that maintains knee joint stability. As a result of traumatic injury, the ACL can be torn. An injury that results in disruption of the ACL causes acute knee pain and swelling.
Symptoms of ACL insufficiency include knee pain, weakness, intermittent swelling and episodes of the knee giving out or buckling. In cases of acute ACL injury, symptomatic treatment is recommended initially with pain management, bracing and a physical therapy program to restore motion and diminish inflammation in the knee. Low ACL demand would include individuals with sedentary work and lifestyles with minimal recreational sports activity. The likelihood of symptomatic instability in this patient group is low and under these circumstances ACL reconstruction is not necessary. In cases of ACL treatment. High ACL demand clients include those that work at physically stressful jobs and/or are engaged in routine athletics and sports activity. The likelihood of symptomatic instability in this group is moderate-high and under these circumstances an ACL reconstruction is recommended.