11 ACL FAST FACTS
11) How many ACL injuries are there in a year?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured knee ligament. Every year, there are between 150,000 and 200,000 ruptures in the United States.
10) How many ACL surgeries are performed each year?
ACL-related injuries are estimated at 150,000 and 200,000 in the United States, with about 95,000 of them being ACL ruptures. Consequently, there are approximately 100,000 ACL reconstruction surgeries performed every year in the US.
9) How can I assess my ACL?
The state of the ACL may be diagnosed using arthrometers / Laximeters, physical examinations, running an MRI scan. Click here to read our article on the best techniques available today to assess the ACL's state.
8) How can an ACL injury occur?
An ACL injury often occurs during sports. The injury can happen when your foot is firmly planted on the ground and a sudden force hits your knee while your leg is straight or slightly bent. This can happen when you are changing direction rapidly, slowing down when running, or landing from a jump.
7) What is the first symptom of an ACL injury?
A loud "pop" or a "popping' sensation may be heard or felt in the knee. It is the 1st symptom that may indicate an ACL injury.
6) Can a torn ACL heal on its own?
Unfortunately, the human body does not regenerate the ACL. Therefore, a proper medical treatment depending on the grade of the injury should be considered to repair the ACL. If the ACL is diagnosed as completely torn, the best treatment consists of ACL reconstruction surgery.
5) Where is the ACL in the knee?
The anterior cruciate ligament is located between the femur and the tibia in the knee joint. It prevents the tibia from sliding too far ahead from the femur and provides rotational stability.
4) What sport has the highest percentage of ACL injuries?
The most common sports in which ACL injuries occur include football, basketball, rugby and more. Read our article "Sports related to ACL injuries" to learn more.
3) How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?
Full capacity of the ACL is reacquired two years after the surgery. However, return to sport activities may be envisaged 6 month after the procedure took place. Read "Torn ACL recovery time" to understand why time is needed.
2) Why are women more likely to have an ACL injury?
Young women are two to eight times more likely than young men to injure the ACL. They may be more prone to non-contact ACL injuries because they run and cut sharply in a more erect posture than men, and bend their knees less when landing from a jump.
1) Can you still walk with a torn ACL?
If you have injured your ACL, range of motion of your knee will be limited and proper treatment is required during the following weeks. Past these couple of weeks, you will be able to walk again. However, if you've completely torn your ACL, you will feel discomfort in your knee because of its instability. Surgery is therefore well advised at this point, as the ACL will not regenerate on its own.