What is the ACL all about?


Initial Post Op Phase – First 2 Weeks Aim The aim of this phase is to regain the range of joint movement and to allow swelling in the knee to settle. The most important aim is to regain normal and full extension (straightening) of the knee. After seeing the physiotherapist on the ward the next…
Description and Diagnosis Patients complain of pain over the front of their knee with symptoms worse on sitting or standing, they are generally young and do not have clear osteoarthritis. There may be a history of patella dislocation. There are multiple causes generally grouped into three diagnoses: • Objected patella instability: history of true dislocation…
Traditionally, examination of a joint involves the principle ‘look, feel, move’. Whilst this adage may still hold true for basic examination of the knee, the order and sequence of examination changes depending on the likely diagnosis suggested by the history. For example when examining a severely arthritic knee it is not necessary to examine for…
On the day of surgery the leg is marked and final consent obtained. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia and the anaesthetist will discuss post-operative pain relief. This will usually involve nerve blocks, which keep the leg and knee numb for a while, and analgesic tablets. After the operation the leg is initially…
This knee pathway is part of work undertaken with Consultants, General Practitioners and Allied Health Professionals from UHCW NHS Trust, George Eliot Hospital, South Warwickshire Hospital, and Coventry and Warwickshire PCT’s. The aim of the pathway is to establish an appropriate and clinically relevant pathway to improve care for patients presenting to their general practitioner…
This information sheet provides information on the nature and purpose of the procedure in addition to an outline of the post-operative rehabilitation