Possible ruptured ACL – but no side effects?

[Kneel Armstrong]

I injured my knee around 5 months ago playing soccer. I was jogging with no one around me, and just heard a crack/pop and it seized up immediately and was then very painful for the next few days before the pain gradually went.

Two weeks later when I was painfree I tried to play football again, but I could immediately tell my knee didn’t feel right, so I stopped.

I saw my GP and was referred to a knee specialist who told me he suspects I have ruptured my ACL. I’ve just had an MRI scan and am waiting for the results now

All of that would seem fairly straightforward, but the gap between seeing my GP and my date to see the knee specialist was around 2 and a half months. In that time I actually started playing football again without any problems and regularly going for long jogs (up to 10 miles) without any problems whatsoever. No pain, no swelling, no feelings of instability in my knee, nothing, it felt absolutely fine and still does.

Is this normal for a ruptured ACL?

I’m hoping the results from the MRI scan show the damage is not as bad as first thought.

Thanks

[Heidi]

Hi

ACL injuries can be funny things. The symptoms often vary considerably from person to person, at least in terms of pain.

An ACL injury is possible, but if the ACL was completely ruptured it would usually feel quite unstable like it might give way. If this is not the case, then a partial rupture is possible.

I think all you can do at this stage is wait for the MRI results. Whatever they say, as you haven't really had any problems lately, you should escape surgery :-)

[Kneel Armstrong]

Today I got the results of my MRI scan:

Torn ACL
Strained PCL
Torn cartilage

In light of the fact that I have played football, been running regularly over long distances and had no pain/instability at all from my knee since I did this 6 months ago I must say I am quite surprised!

[Heidi]

Wow! Me too!

The lack of pain and instability may be due to good muscle strength, balance and control.

What treatment have you been offered?