Chronic ACL deficiency
Content provided by Healthwise
Chronic ACL deficiency
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can involve a small or medium tear of the ligament, a complete tear of the ligament (rupture), a separation of the ligament from the upper or lower leg bone (avulsion), or a separation of the ligament and part of the bone from the rest of the bone (avulsion fracture). When any of these occur, the lower leg bone may move abnormally on the upper bone, with a sense of the knee giving out.
An ACL injury may develop into chronic (long-lasting and recurrent) ACL deficiency: this is also called ACL insufficiency or an ACL-deficient knee. The ability of the ACL to control knee movement decreases, resulting in more sliding of the bones. The knee becomes more and more unstable—it begins to buckle or give out, sometimes with pain and swelling. This can result in further injury, loss of strength (weakness), and instability. This abnormal sliding also can damage cartilage and trap and damage the pads that cushion the knee joints (menisci) and can lead to premature osteoarthritis.
ACL surgery is often done for chronic ACL deficiency, unless the knee is so damaged that surgery won't help. When possible, starting a rehabilitation program before surgery can help speed rehabilitation after surgery.
If you have chronic ACL deficiency and you are willing and able to stop activities that require a lot of knee stability, rehabilitation may make your knee stable enough to perform daily activities, and you may not need surgery.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Freddie H. Fu, MD - Orthopedic Surgery |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics |
| Last Updated | May 16, 2008 |
| Last updated: | May 16, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
