The Lachman Test: This is a common clinical test used to diagnose an ACL tear. The doctor will bend the knee and pull on the lower leg to see how much it moves. An intact ACL will prevent excessive forward movement of the Ɵbia. MRI : This imaging test can visualize the ACL and idenƟfy if it's torn or strained. X-ray: While X-rays can't show soŌ Ɵssues like the ACL, they can help rule out bone fractures. Swelling and Bruising: If there's significant swelling and bruising around the knee, it can be an indicator of an injury, including potenƟal damage to the ACL. LimitaƟon in Movement: Inability to fully extend or bend the knee can be indicaƟve of an ACL injury. It's important to note that if someone suspects they have an ACL injury aŌer an accident, they should seek medical aƩenƟon immediately. LeŌ untreated, an ACL injury can lead to further complicaƟons, including damage to other parts of the knee and long-term instability. MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURIES (MCL) The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee. It's located on the inner side of the knee joint and connects the femur (thigh bone) to the Ɵbia (shin bone). The MCL stabilizes the knee and prevents it from bending inward. Injuries to the MCL are common in various situaƟons, including motor vehicle accidents (MVA). How an MCL Injury Might Occur in an MVA:
Direct Impact : The most common mechanism for an MCL injury in an MVA is a direct blow to the outer part of the knee, forcing it to bend inward. This is oŌen seen in side-impact (T-bone) collisions where the outside of the knee absorbs the force from the impacƟng vehicle or door.
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