ANATOMY
The ACL is a band of regularly oriented connective tissue that connects the femur and tibia. It is narrow in the middle, fanning out inferiorly, and to a lesser extent, further superiorly. The ACL passes from the anterior tibia to the posterior part of the inner aspect of the lateral femoral condyle. The femoral attachment is in the form of a circle.

The ACL prevents anterior displacement (forward movement) of the tibia in relation to the femur, eg. preventing hyperextension, as well as providing a check to rotation at the knee joint.

MECHANISM OF INJURY
Rotation or flexion (knee bend) injury.
May be direct trauma or excessive stresses from landing from a jump or rapid deceleration.

SYMPTOMS

• The patient may have sudden pain or hear a ‘pop’.
• The knee may give way at the time of injury and/or have a recurrent ‘giving way’ problem after the injury.
• After the initial trauma and associated pain, the athlete can often walk off the field even if it is a complete rupture.
• Onset of swelling is rapid; it is the result of hemarthrosis (blood in the joint).
• The active and passive ranges of motion may be limited.

TREATMENT
Please consult with your medical professional for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan.
Under the direction of your medical professional and in conjunction with your advised treatment plan, the following products may be beneficial:

8*275 Knee Brace with ROM Hinge	8*278 Open Knee Brace with ROM Hinge	8*285 Open Knee Brace w/ Flexion/Extension ROM Hinge
8*246 Knee Stabilizer	8*247 Knee Derotation Brace

Glossary of Terms:

CONDYLE: Rounded end of bone: a rounded part at the end of a bone that forms a moving joint with a cup-shaped cavity in another bone. The ball part of a ball-and-socket joint such as the hip or shoulder joint is a condyle.

SUPERIOR: Higher in position

INFERIOR: Lower in position

LATERAL: Outside aspect

ANTERIOR: Front aspect

POSTERIOR: Rear aspect

HYPEREXTENSION: Extension of a bodily joint beyond its normal range of motion.