Have You Suffered An ACL Injury?

Anyone who's sustained an ACL injury in Oklahoma City knows how painful it can be. Many of these injuries occur when people are young and involved in playing sports. However, if the injury is not treated, pain and swelling results. If you have an ACL injury in Oklahoma City, consult with a physician at Olsen Orthopedic.

What Is The ACL?

ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament, one of the major ligaments in the knee. An ACL injury in Oklahoma City is hard to ignore. A person must seek help from a physician. A course of rehab may follow or surgery. ACL injuries can be painful, and the knee can give way.

How Do Injuries Happen?

The ACL can be damaged by changing direction rapidly. Further, sudden stops and jumping improperly can cause ligament tears. Not surprisingly, this injury occurs often in basketball and football games. Experts say women are more likely to get ACL injuries because of differences in strength and physical condition.

ACL Injury In Oklahoma City - Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of an ACL injury is a popping sound. Furthermore, pain and swelling begin soon after the injury. Other symptoms include a reduction in the range of motion, an inability to walk, and collapsing of the leg when full weight is applied.

Prognosis

Unfortunately, ACL injuries in Oklahoma are likely to have secondary damage. This damage may occur in the cartilage or meniscus. Some ACL tears are partial while others are fully involved. The prognosis for partial tears is good, but there must still be a course of rehab and rest. Physical therapists can identify which patients are likely to recover after a partial tear.

Complete Tears

The prognosis is not as bright for those with a complete tear. Some sort of surgical intervention may be necessary in this case. The doctor will order imaging tests to see how severe the damage is. An MRI is the best way to assess an ACL injury in Oklahoma City.

Treatment

Initially, the doctor will try to relieve some pain with the R.I.C.E. method. This stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Most patients wear knee braces when they start physical therapy. P.T. works wonders for patients by making muscles stronger and improving the range of motion. PRP Treatments offer a great option as well.

Surgery

Doctors have several procedures to choose from to repair the ACL. They may perform a patellar tendon autograft if the patient is regularly involved in sports. The graft is made from part of the patellar tendon and bone plugs from the shin and kneecap. A tendon from the inner side of the knee is used to make the hamstring tendon autograft. Interestingly, allograft procedures are becoming popular. These procedures use grafts taken from cadavers.

The Process

The surgery is performed using an arthroscope. Small incisions are made to insert the scope into the knee to examine it. First, the surgeon cleans and repairs meniscus and cartilage injuries. Next, the torn ACL stump is replaced by a graft. They often use materials like screws and staples to hold the graft in place.

Conclusion

Patients must follow the surgeon's instructions for recovery. The leg should be kept elevated and iced regularly. Additionally, patients should try to move around to avoid blood clots. Usually, patients get around on crutches to avoid putting their full weight on the ACL. Visit Olsen Orthopedic in Oklahoma City, OK to inquire about your ACL injury in Oklahoma City.