Is it a Torn ACL? Knee Injuries: 101

Knee injuries are common in athletics and can vary in severity and symptoms. Determining the seriousness of the injury and when to seek specialized care for your child can be challenging. Here are symptoms to watch for, especially injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other common knee injuries.

If your child experiences any of the symptoms listed, it is important to have them evaluated by a specialist.

ACL Tear

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are particularly significant as the ACL serves as the primary stabilizer in the knee and connects the femur to the tibia. When torn, ACL injuries typically require surgery to repair the ligament and physical therapy to regain range of motion and strength.

• Hearing a “pop” in the knee when the injury occurs
• Inability to walk or bear weight on the knee
• Feeling severe pain and rapid swelling of the joint
• Inability to move knee in the entire range of motion

MCL Sprains

The MCL is a ligament on the inside of the knee that helps protect the knee against inward forces.

• Hearing a “pop” in the knee when the injury first occurs
• Pain on the inside of the knee
• Swelling
• Pain with walking or running

Meniscal Tears

Each knee has a medial and a lateral meniscus. These thin, c-shaped pieces of cartilage act as a shock absorber. They sit between the femur and tibia.

• Hearing a “pop” in the knee when the injury first occurs
• Feeling pain, especially when twisting the knee and walking up stairs
• Possible swelling
• Feeling as though the knee is “locked in place” while trying to bend it

Patella Dislocations

The patella is a thick bone that sits in the front of the knee, often called the kneecap. The purpose of the patella is to help protect the inside parts of the knee. The patella is part of a tendon that connects the upper and lower parts of the leg. A strong enough impact to the side of the leg can cause the bone to pop out of its resting spot and become dislocated.

• Obvious deformity
• Severe pain
• Swelling once patella is relocated
• Unwillingness to put full pressure on knee

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

• Feeling pain at the front of the knee
• Gradual increase in pain while exercising
• Not experiencing a specific injury
• Feeling with prolonged bending of the knee

Injuries are a risk for any child involved in athletics. Understanding the signs and symptoms of knee injuries can help you make the best choices for care. All knee pain should be taken seriously, but some injuries pose a greater risk to the knee’s structure than others. Despite the seriousness of ACL tears, they do not mean the end of an athletic career.

With today’s advances in medicine, ACL tears can be treated, and your child can be back playing the sports they love. Proper diagnosis will give your child the best chance for a successful recovery.