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Injuries/Deficiencies
Symptoms:









The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is high on the list of deficiencies for those experiencing these type of symptoms. Not everyone may experience all these symptoms but a popping noise or giving away of the knee are extremely common.  If this occurs and some of the other symptoms are present as well, then you know you probably did something big time. Cartilage tears also are common to those that experience an ACL injury. Sometimes there are additional deficiencies such as tears to the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) and the Medial Cruciate Ligament (MCL) that will have similar symptoms. 

(But there's more - I have run into individuals that had a torn Patella Tendon and then there are the more gradual type of deficiencies which involve Chodromalacia and arthritis. I'm sure there are just gobs of addl deficiencies and they each have their own wonderful set of symptoms.)
What To Do/Not To Do:
Orthopaedic Surgeon (OS) Visit:
Popping noise
Momentarily collapse of leg/knee gives way but able to walk soon after.picking yourself off the ground
Swelling
Something doesn't feel quite right when walking
Loss of stability - Knee feels loose
Loss of Muscle tone when when muscles are tensed in both legs
Be careful, your knee/leg may be very weak and unstable
Review the above symptoms
See an OS if you have had a knee event or experienced some of the above symptoms
Brief pain or continued discomfort
Do not continue with active sports if your knee gave way, you heard a pop or muscle tone is noticeably reduced
Do not continue with active sports if you are reading this page because of a knee concern - Go seek a medical opinion from an OS !
Originated : 7-15-00.
If going to see OS , then don't delay. Some Insurance Companies cover all expenses 100% if considered an emergency.  My insurance company considered it an emergency for medical services rendered within 72 hrs of injury.
An OS is not going to cut your knee open the minute you walk in the door. So, don't fear the initial visit.  It is possible that if your knee is significantly swollen, the OS may drain the knee and that's not one of the most happy events.
An OS that suspects an ACL tear will do a self-eval which includes a Drawer test. This basically consists of the OS pulling gently forward on the lower leg to gage if the knee feels loose. He will also perform a few additional knee checks to make this diagnosis.
If there is reason to believe that you have an internal deficiency or the OS just wants to confirm the self-eval diagnosis, it is common for an individual to go for an MRI. The MRI is much better than an Xray at determining internal deficiencies (ie. cartilage tears, severed ACLs, etc). It may detect torn ligaments but it cannot determine the extent (%) of the tear.
The OS self-Eval and the MRI are just two of the methods by which internal deficiencies may be detected. An Xray may also be taken and it can mainly show cartilage tears but that's about it.  Only arthroscopy can really determine accurately the deficiencies of the knee.
An OS may decide that your deficiencies are minor or may opt for short amount of therapy and a re-evaluation before deciding if anything else should be done.
It is not uncommon for an OS to tell immediately from his self-eval that the ACL has a significant deficiency. The knee  may just be very loose. Many OS may still send you for an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and get a "Heads UP" as to any other deficiencies you may have.
My Opinions Only !  Seek Medical Services If You Suspect An Injury !