2008-9 The year of the ACL

In 2008 two of sports biggest athletes suffered from an ACL tear. Tiger Woods(winner of 14 of golf's major championships) and Tom Brady(Quarterback of the New England Patriots and two-time Super Bowl MVP) both had an ACL tear that ended their season in 2008. When high profile athletes are injured their fans are often very curious to learn about the injury. Here is some information and quick facts about the ACL. What Is The Anterior Cruciate Ligament? The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most important of four strong ligaments connecting the bones of the knee. The function of the ACL is to provide stability to the knee and minimize stress across the knee joint: -It limits excessive forward movement of the tibia in relation to the femur. -It limits rotational movements of the knee. A tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) results from overstretching the ligament within the knee. -It's usually due to a sudden stop and twisting motion of the knee, or a force or "blow" to the front of the knee. -The extent of the tear can be a partial or a complete tear. -Instability or a sensation the knee is "giving out" may be a major complaint following this injury. Facts -The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) provides almost 90% of the stability to the knee joint. -Reconstruction of a torn ACL is now a common procedure, with over 50,000 hospital admissions per year. -ACL reconstruction is a highly successful operation, with good rehabilitation today's athletes have greater than a 90% chance of returning to their pre-injury level of sports participation. Tiger Woods has resumed dominating on the PGA tour and Tom Brady will soon be throwing touchdowns again. Suffering an ACL tear is never a pleasant experience, but with the proper interventions, a good physical therapist, and alot of hard work you will be ready to return to your sport before you know it. Brian Schwallier, PT, SCS