Question 1

how can i test for a torn acl?

Accepted Answer

Anterior Drawer Test: The anterior drawer test checks for laxity in the knee joint by attempting to slide the lower leg forward while the upper leg remains stationary. This would be difficult to perform on yourself.

Question 2

is it possible for you to test a torn acl yourself?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Once an acl is torn it is gone. You can rehab and strengthen the muscles and restore the motion of the knee. Then you can decide if the knee is unstable and needs an acl reconstruction.

Question 3

which special tests and manual muscle tests would be used to diagnose a torn acl?

Accepted Answer

Typically...: Lachman and pivot shift tests are the most accurate tests to assess the acl upon physical exam. Most clinicians are getting away from the anterior drawer, though it is another option. An MRI will confirm the diagnosis.

Question 4

can you please tell me about the active range of motion and passive range of motion tests for a torn acl?

Accepted Answer

Exam for ACL-"ROM": Passive motion is movement caused by some outside force. Active motion is movement you generate yourself.  These are not specific tests for an acl tear.  The acl provides stability to a knee, so if there is a significant tear, there will be too much motion of one leg bone sliding over the other bone. This is "translation" of the femur on the tibia vs flexion (bending) or extension (straightening).

Question 5

how do you fix a torn acl?

Accepted Answer

Reconstruction: An acl tear is not able to repair itself because the body seals off both ends of the tear. In some cases, the torn acl can scar into and heal to surrounding structures, but the function is never the same. A reconstruction involves creating tunnels in the original acl position, and placing a substitute graft into the tunnels, and fixing it in place.

Question 6

how can i strengthen a torn acl?

Accepted Answer

You can't: All you can do is strengthen the muscles supporting the knee but it will never replace the function of the ACL and your knee will suffer.

Question 7

is it ok to snorkel with torn acl?

Accepted Answer

ACL tear: Check with your orthopedic surgeon. Questions to ask:  giving way?  Locking? Instability? Full thickness tears? Acute vs chronic? Other joint pathology? Do i need a brace, acl recon, or pt?

Question 8

what should i do with my torn acl?

Accepted Answer

See an orthopedist: Acl tears should be individualized to each patient. There is no one way to treat an acl tear. Depending on your activity level, age, and overall conditioning, a surgeon may recommend nonsurgical management, surgery with your own tendon, or surgery with a donor tendon. Some cases require additional procedures to fix the overall problem.

Question 9

what are the symptoms of a torn acl?

Accepted Answer

Torn acl: With acute injury, u hear a loud pop then develop intense pain in the knee, then the knee begins to swell within few hours.

Question 10

how long can you go with a torn acl?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Depending on your activity level, your ability to rehab the knee, and also whether you play cutting sports (like tennis, basketball), it's actually possible to live with a torn acl.  Here's a recent study on this subject:  http://www.Nejm.Org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa0907797?Siteid=nejm;keytype=ref;ijkey=g71wpxzkhwyf2;.

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How to test for a torn ACL yourself

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How can i test for a torn acl?

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Is it possible for you to test a torn acl yourself?

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Which special tests and manual muscle tests would be used to diagnose a torn acl?

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Can you please tell me about the active range of motion and passive range of motion tests for a torn acl?

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How do you fix a torn acl?

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How can i strengthen a torn acl?

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Is it ok to snorkel with torn acl?

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What should i do with my torn acl?

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What are the symptoms of a torn acl?

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How long can you go with a torn acl?

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