Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Post Rehab Goals and Objectives:

The primary objective of the fitness program is the development of overall leg strength while protecting the graft. Increase in quadricep, and hamstring strength along with increased knee range of motion are other goals for the fitness program.

Description

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary stabilizer of the knee when performing sporting activities involving cutting, twisting and change of direction.

The ACL is made of two ligamentous bundles attached to the tibial plateau and to the femur in the intercondylular notch. This allows the ACL to prevent anterior translation of the tibia beneath the femur when performing closed chain activities.

Loss of the ACL results in knee instability. The joint instability may lead to damage to the meniscus due to lack of control of the femoral condyles which damage the medial and lateral menisci. The reason for great concern over the cruciates is the possible damage may occur to the menisci. Damage to the meniscus may lead to arthritis.

Rupture of the ACL occurs when there is a blow to the knee and a rotary force with the knee in relative extension. The ACL may be partially torn or completely torn. Partial tears usually develop into full tears, if the client does not modify his or her activity to avoid excessive shear forces, there will be damage to the meniscus.

There are two medical management scenarios for the ruptured ACL. The surgical route requires repair or reconstruction of the ACL using a piece of the client's patellar tendon tissue, hamstring or other connective tissue as the new ligament. The non-surgical route requires the client to modify his or her activities, wear a derotation brace and begin an exercise program. The surgical reconstruction of the ACL requires immediate rehab after surgery. The rehab begins with immediate range of motion exercise and progresses to functional strengthening activities. Emphasis is placed on the development of overall leg strength and protection of the ACL graft.