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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries

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Traumatic Injuries of the Knee

Abstract

The ACL is composed of two bands, anteromedial band and posterolateral band. Its main function consists on restraint to anterior subluxation of the tibia on the femur. ACL injury is very common, above all in active people. The diagnosis of the injury is based on the physical examination and MRI. Concomitant injuries such as meniscal tears, osteochondral defects, bone bruises and other ligamentous injuries can appear. The option of surgical treatment of the injury depends on the activity level of the patient and the stability of the knee. There are different options in graft selection but patellar tendon graft, bone-tendon-bone (BTB) graft is the gold standard. Hamstring tendon graft, quadriceps tendon graft and allografts are other choices with good outcomes, too. After surgery, bracing has not been shown to have impact on results and strengthening leg muscles takes an important role in postoperative rehabilitation. Infection, deep vein thrombosis, loss of motion, patellofemoral pain, and general pain syndromes are the major complications that can significantly diminish the results of ACL surgery but fortunately, they are very uncommon.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, “La Paz” University Hospital-Idipaz, Paseo de la Castellana, 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain

    Ana María Valverde-Villar, Primitivo Gómez-Cardero & E. Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán

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  1. Ana María Valverde-Villar
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  2. Primitivo Gómez-Cardero
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  3. E. Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán
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Correspondence to Ana María Valverde-Villar .

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  1. , Department of Orthopedic Surgery, La Paz University Hospital-IdiPaz, Paseo de la Castellana 261, Madrid, 28046, Spain

    E. Carlos Rodrìguez-Merchán

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Valverde-Villar, A.M., Gómez-Cardero, P., Rodríguez-Merchán, E.C. (2013). Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries. In: Rodrìguez-Merchán, E. (eds) Traumatic Injuries of the Knee. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5298-7_10

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