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View Full Version : Half Torn ACL, MCL or PCL?

rf3ray
12-04-2006, 01:43 AM
Hey went to see physio again today, got reffered to a specialist. Just wondering how do you know if you have Half Torn a ACL, MCL or PCL?
Skittl1321
12-04-2006, 08:37 AM
Based on my sister's experiences (she tore both of her ACLs) a specialist may be able to tell based solely on the location of the pain and the degree of movement you have. An MRI should be able to confirm a tear and show the exact location.

I'm not sure if that was exactly what you were asking. I don't think that someone who is not a doctor is going to be able to just "know" they have a torn ligiment. But if you think you might, lay off it until the injury is determined.
Team Arthritis
12-04-2006, 11:29 AM
yeh skittle's right on - the physical exam tests can't be done on yourself eather.
Lyle
jenlyon60
12-04-2006, 12:18 PM
Definitely not normally able to tell with self-examination.

Having said all that, when I fell skiing, I heard the ACL pop and knew right away what had happened. Not to mention that my upper leg and lower leg were twisted rather unnaturally especially with the ski still on. Luckily someone came to me immediately after the fall and removed my skis while I was moaning in pain, and a friend went and called the ski patrol.
sue123
12-04-2006, 03:16 PM
There are some exams that a physio should do to test for ACL adn PCL, not sure about hte other 2. One thing that the doc does is anchor your foot, have your knee at 90 degrees, and then pulls on your lower leg. If it doesn't stop when you pull your leg, it's a torn ACL. If it doesn't stop when the push the leg in, it's a torn PCL. Also, for PCL, when they have the knee at 90 degrees, if it sags in, almost like it's collapsed looking, it's a PCL. Those tests are usually pretty definitive, actually.

My doc also did something where he pulled on my leg as he twisted it, although I'm not sure what that does. He also did this thing where my leg was straight and he put pressure on some part of my thigh, and had me squeeze my muscles and then let go. Very painful. But again, I have no idea what that tested, I just have my diagnosis, torn PCL and meniscus damage.