Sports

ACL Tear in Cricket and Football Players: Treatment and Return to Sport

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) keeps the knee stable during turning and landing. It is commonly torn in cricket, football, kabaddi and volleyball.

Typical symptoms

• A popping sound at the time of injury
• Rapid swelling within hours
• The knee feels unstable or "gives way"

Treatment

Active young patients usually benefit from arthroscopic ACL reconstruction followed by 6–9 months of structured rehabilitation before returning to competitive sport.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation.