Few experiences in life compare to the thrill of a crowd, roaring with enthusiasm, desperately trying to outdo one another with endless cheers and chants for their team. Whether you’re the player, the coach, the proud parent, or the passionate fan, there is an indescribable joy that comes after securing a victory, and a heavy sadness that follows a tough defeat. But it's not just about the wins and losses. It’s in those quiet moments, too—the ones when the crowd falls silent as an athlete lies injured, united in empathy and struggling to understand what has just happened.
We have all been there when a young person is running down the field, making a cut on the court, trying to make a big play and suddenly goes down with a dreaded knee injury. Many times, we hear immediate speculation in the stands, on a broadcast, or within our own heads…the knee is blown out, season over. Oftentimes, athletes (and weekend warriors) who experience a sudden knee injury sustain an anterior cruciate ligament injury or an ACL tear. While this injury is common in football and contact/collision sports, it is also a common injury in multiple sports as well as other leisure and well-being activities. And there always seems to be confusion about how it is evaluated, treated and the long-term consequences.
The ACL is one of two cruciate ligaments within the knee joint, playing a key role in providing both translational (forward/backward) and rotational stability. This stability is essential for athletes who participate in cutting activities (football, soccer, etc.) or patients who are involved in high-impact occupations (military, fire, police, etc.). Moreover, patients with ACL tears may also feel “unstable” with everyday activities such as descending stairs or walking on uneven ground.
ACL injuries are initially diagnosed by physical examination. The medical provider will then order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the diagnosis, as well as to determine if there are other injuries to the knee.
For young patients, most surgeons will recommend surgical intervention to reconstruct, or in some cases, repair the torn ACL to restore continuity and knee stability. For older patients, management is individualized based on the patient, activities and symptoms. There are a number of orthopedic techniques surgeons use to restore the ACL with good results.
Importantly, while the surgery may only take an hour or so, the recovery and therapy will take many months. Patients typically take between 6 to 12 months to return to sport or full activities. This can be a significant point of frustration for patients, parents, coaches, etc., however, patients who return too early risk re-injury and starting the process over again. Additionally, when an athlete ruptures an ACL, their season is essentially over and the recovery can potentially impact the next pre-season participation, and in some cases, recovery may affect the next season as well. This an important fact patients and families need to consider prior to undergoing surgery and therapy, especially if there is an expectation of playing sports in college.
Sports will always be an essential part of life in Oklahoma, so there will always be a risk of competitive or everyday athletes sustaining injuries that can potentially impact or limit activities. Fortunately, there are advanced treatments available for return-to-play or getting back to leading a well-balanced, normal life. If you have questions or concerns related to an ACL injury or other knee ailments, it is important to discuss those concerns with an orthopedic specialist to gain a full understanding of the extent of injury/damage. Contact McBride today to schedule an evaluation if needed. We are here to meet your healthcare needs.
