Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury

What is ACL injury?

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee, often due to sports-related activities. While an anterior cruciate ligament injury is most well-known, the knee is also supported by the posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and lateral collateral ligament—each serving critical roles in maintaining joint stability. A torn ACL typically requires surgical repair.

ACL Injury Recovery Time

Most individuals recover fully and return to their sports without long-term issues. Recovery usually takes between six to nine months.

Common Symptoms of an ACL Injury

Sudden, severe pain.
A loud pop or popping sensation in the knee.
Rapid swelling.
Difficulty moving the knee or bending it fully.
Knee feels unstable or gives way when standing or walking.

What Can Cause an ACL Injury?

Making a quick stop or sharp turn while moving.
Twisting the knee with the foot stuck in place.
Landing off balance after a jump.
Sudden changes in direction during fast movements.
Taking a hard hit to the knee, like in contact sports such as football.

ACL Tear Grade

Ligament injuries are called sprains and are classified by how serious they are:

Grade 1 (Mild): The ligament is slightly stretched but remains intact and continues to support the knee joint. This is considered a mild injury and can often heal with conservative care.
Grade 2 (Moderate): The ligament is stretched more significantly and becomes loose. This is often called a partial tear.
Grade 3 (Severe): The ligament is completely torn or detached from the bone, causing the knee to become unstable.

Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are uncommon. In fact, most ACL tears involve complete or nearly complete tears.

Increased Risk of Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury

Individuals who suffer an ACL injury are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee, even after undergoing surgical reconstruction.

Several factors may contribute to this risk, including the severity of the original injury, the presence of additional damage within the knee joint, and the individual’s level of physical activity following treatment.

First Visit for Knee Injury

Doctor will:
- Ask about your symptoms and medical history
- Examine your injured knee and compare it to the healthy one

Most ACL injuries can be diagnosed through physical exam

Tests (if needed):

X-ray – to check for broken bones in the thigh bone or shin bone
MRI – to see soft tissues (ligaments, cartilage, meniscus)

How to recover from ACL injury?

ACL injuries can be managed through non-surgical or surgical methods, depending on the severity of the tear.

Non-Surgical Treatments

For minor injuries, start with the R.I.C.E. method to reduce pain and swelling:

R: Rest to avoid straining the knee.
I: Ice the area to limit swelling.
C: Use Compression for joint support.
E: Elevate the knee to prevent fluid buildup.

After R.I.C.E., physiotherapy helps restore knee function, improve motion, strengthen leg muscles, and boost stability—reducing the risk of abnormal anterior tibial translation that can worsen instability.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a minimally invasive procedure done under general anaesthesia using arthroscopy (keyhole surgery). The surgeon makes small incisions to insert a camera and surgical tools. The damaged ligament tissue is removed and replaced with an ACL graft, sourced from the patient’s knee or a donor. The graft is securely attached to surrounding bones to support new ligament growth, restoring knee stability and function.

ACL Injury Treatment in Batu Pahat

See our orthopaedic specialists if you think you have an ACL injury. If you have knee pain, swelling, or your knee feels weak or unstable after an injury, it’s important to get it checked. Early treatment can help you recover faster and avoid more damage.

Our Specialists