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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

At the time of an ACL injury, signs and symptoms may include:

  • A loud "pop" sound
  • Severe pain
  • Knee swelling that usually worsens for hours after the injury occurs
  • A feeling of instability or "giving way" with weight bearing

When to see a doctor
Most people seek immediate medical attention after an ACL injury.

Causes Definition
References
  1. Amy E, et al. Anterior cruciate ligament tear. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/220179329-3/1059395304/1678/58.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50057-2--cesec12_907. Accessed Sept. 24, 2010.
  2. Friedberg RP. Anterior cruciate ligament. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept 24, 2010.
  3. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention. American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. http://www.sportsmed.org/secure/reveal/admin/uploads/documents/ST%20ACL%20Injury%2008.pdf. Accessed Sept. 24, 2010.
  4. The injured ACL. American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. http://www.sportsmed.org/secure/reveal/admin/uploads/documents/ST%20Injured%20ACL%2008.pdf. Accessed Sept. 24, 2010.
  5. Pallin DJ, et al. Knee and lower leg. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?sid=1060123978&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00054-2&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00054-2--s0415&uniqId=220363422-3. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
  6. Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 29, 2010.
DS00898 Jan. 4, 2011

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