Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

When the ACL tears, you may hear a popping sound. As you stand, the knee will probably give-way immediately, and it will be difficult to walk on the affected leg. There is usually moderate pain and swelling of the knee joint, although in the first several hours, this may be minor. It will, however, worsen over the first two days, and then begin to subside.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your knee. A physical exam will be performed.

Tests may include:

• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to show the structures inside the knee joint
• Arthroscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision in the knee to look at the structures inside the knee