Complete guide
ACL Injuries
Everything you need to know from injury through rehabilitation and return to sport.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilising ligaments of the knee. ACL injuries are common in pivoting sports such as football, netball and skiing, and often happen without any contact.
This guide covers how ACL injuries are diagnosed, when surgery is needed, what reconstruction involves, and the rehabilitation required to return safely to sport.
ACL injuries explained
Explore ACL Injuries
Start anywhere. Every section is written by clinicians and kept up to date.
Article
Understanding ACL Injuries
What the ACL does, how it tears and what happens to the knee afterwards.
7 min readArticle
Diagnosis
Clinical tests, early swelling patterns and what your assessment involves.
5 min readArticle
MRI
When an MRI is needed and how to interpret the findings sensibly.
5 min readArticle
When Surgery Is Needed
Who benefits from reconstruction and who can succeed with rehab alone.
6 min readGuide
ACL Reconstruction
Graft choices, the operation itself and the first six weeks.
Complete guideProgramme
Rehabilitation
The phased rehabilitation programme from day one to running.
5 phasesArticle
Return to Sport
Objective criteria, testing and reducing the risk of re-injury.
6 min readArticle
Complications
Stiffness, graft failure and other issues, and how they are managed.
5 min read
Frequently asked questions
When to seek help
Contact a healthcare professional if:
- Your knee swelled rapidly within a few hours of a twisting injury.
- The knee gives way when you turn or change direction.
- You cannot fully straighten the knee after an injury.
- You have new numbness, severe pain or calf swelling after surgery.