{"id":24258,"date":"2025-09-15T15:28:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T15:28:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/?p=24258"},"modified":"2026-06-25T14:19:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T14:19:26","slug":"entorse-du-ligament-croise-anterieur-urgence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/entorse-du-ligament-croise-anterieur-urgence\/","title":{"rendered":"Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain: abnormal stretching of the ligament"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the injury, symptoms, treatments and rehabilitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain is one of the most common and feared knee injuries, especially among athletes. It can occur in both elite athletes and amateur players, and its consequences can be significant if not properly treated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding this injury is essential to adapt treatment, optimize recovery and limit the risk of long-term sequelae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the anterior cruciate ligament?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">THE <a href=\"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/ligament-croise-anterieur-lca\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"25569\">anterior cruciate ligament<\/a> It is one of the four main ligaments of the knee. Located in the center of the joint, it connects the femur to the tibia and crosses the posterior cruciate ligament, hence its name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its role is fundamental:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It prevents the tibia from sliding excessively forward.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It participates in the control of rotational movements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It stabilizes the knee during changes of direction and braking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without a functional ACL, the knee loses some of its stability, which exposes it to sensations of &quot;giving way&quot; and secondary injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an ACL sprain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ACL sprain occurs when trauma causes abnormal stretching or rupture of the ligament. Unlike other ligaments, the ACL heals very poorly on its own when torn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We typically distinguish between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a mild sprain (simple stretching),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>moderate sprain (partial tear),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>severe sprain (complete rupture).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the majority of clinically significant cases, it is a complete rupture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Causes and mechanisms of ACL sprain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ACL sprain most often occurs without direct contact, during a poorly controlled movement. The most frequent mechanisms are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a sudden rotation of the knee with the foot fixed on the ground,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>an off-balance landing from a jump<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a rapid change of direction,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a sudden deceleration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sports most affected<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>soccer,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>alpine skiing,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>handball,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>basketball,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>rugby,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pivot or contact sports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Factors such as fatigue, muscle weakness, or poor coordination can increase the risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms of an ACL sprain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Symptoms usually appear immediately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>acute pain at the time of the trauma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a sensation of cracking or tearing,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rapid swelling of the knee (hemarthrosis)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>difficulty gaining support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>impression of instability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, the pain decreases rapidly, which can lead to underestimating the severity of the injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diagnosis: How to confirm an ACL sprain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The diagnosis is based on several stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clinical examination<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stability tests (Lachman, anterior drawer, pivot shift)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Medical imaging<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MRI: the gold standard examination to confirm the rupture and look for associated lesions (meniscus, cartilage)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>X-ray: useful for ruling out an associated fracture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The different degrees of ACL sprain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Degree<\/th><th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Minor sprain<\/td><td>Stretching of the ligament without rupture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>moderate sprain<\/td><td>Partial rupture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>severe sprain<\/td><td>Complete ACL rupture<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Complete rupture is the most frequent situation in sports injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible treatments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Non-surgical (functional) treatment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indicated in certain cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>patients who are not very athletic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>absence of bothersome instability,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>good muscle tone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>rest and initial icing,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>intensive physiotherapy,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>muscle strengthening (quadriceps, hamstrings),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>adaptation of physical activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Surgical treatment: ligamentoplasty<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Often recommended for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>regular athletes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>young and active patients,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>people suffering from persistent instability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The surgery involves reconstructing the ACL using a graft (patellar tendon or hamstring tendon).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rehabilitation and return to sport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rehabilitation is a key step, whether or not there is surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Main objectives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>recovery of joint range of motion,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>muscle strengthening,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>proprioceptive work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prevention of relapses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The time before resuming sport generally varies from&nbsp;<strong>6 to 12 months<\/strong>, depending on the patient&#039;s activity and progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the long-term consequences?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without proper treatment, an ACL sprain can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>chronic knee instability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secondary meniscal lesions,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/larthrose-mieux-comprendre-cette-maladie\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/larthrose-mieux-comprendre-cette-maladie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">early osteoarthritis<\/a>\u00a0of the knee,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sustained limitation of physical activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why medical monitoring and rehabilitation are crucial for the prognosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Living with an ACL sprain on a daily basis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain doesn&#039;t just affect sports performance; it also impacts daily life, sometimes from the very first days following the injury. Walking can become unsteady, especially on stairs, uneven terrain, or when changing direction. This feeling of instability is often described as the knee &quot;giving way,&quot; leading to apprehension and a loss of confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the acute phase, normal activities should be adapted. Relative rest, avoiding risky movements, and, if necessary, temporarily wearing a knee brace help to stabilize the joint. Resuming driving, work, or prolonged travel depends on the pain, swelling, and stability of the knee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Physical jobs or jobs involving frequent travel may require a longer leave of absence or a temporary adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prevention: can the risk be reduced?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, several measures have proven effective:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>neuromuscular prevention programs,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>targeted strengthening of the lower limbs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>improvement of sports technique,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>structured warm-up before exertion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These strategies are particularly recommended for young athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An anterior cruciate ligament sprain is a serious knee injury that requires a\u00a0<strong>precise diagnosis<\/strong>\u00a0and care tailored to the patient&#039;s profile. Whether treated functionally or surgically, the\u00a0<strong>rehabilitation plays a central role<\/strong>\u00a0in recovery and prevention of long-term complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early and well-conducted treatment allows, in most cases, for the restoration of good knee stability and a return to physical activity under good conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Entorse du ligament crois\u00e9 ant\u00e9rieur : sympt\u00f4mes, traitements et r\u00e9\u00e9ducation du genou.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":23834,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[100],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ligament-croise-anterieur"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24258"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24258\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29730,"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24258\/revisions\/29730"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23834"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sosgenougeneve.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}