In high velocity sports (soccer/skiing) 50% of ACL tears occur in combination with damage to the medial meniscus (cartilage). The mechanism of injury is usually deceleration, pivoting on a weight bearing leg and collisions in contact sports. Most patients describe a “pop” followed by immediate pain and swelling. The patient may report instability (“giving way”), limited range of movement and possible locking if the cartilage is torn.
X-Rays and CT scans are used to exclude fractures. MRI are 95% accurate in diagnosing ligament (ACL) and cartilage (meniscal) tears and therefore the gold standard recommended at our Bondi Junction Physiotherapy Centre.
In our Bondi Junction Physiotherapy Centre the patient in conjunction with MRI findings will be thoroughly examined using the pivot shift, Luchman’s and McMurray’s stress tests to confirm the diagnosis. Surgical repair will depend on the degree of rupture (partial or complete). The sporting/activity level of the patient as well as the instability symptoms during everyday activities are the other determining factors.