ACL Tear and Down Syndrome Presentation

Presented By Le'Nya Harrell on 11/18/2024

ACL Tear

Introduction

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments in the knee. It provides stability by preventing the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur. Injury to the ACL is significant as it often occurs during sports or activities involving sudden movements and can lead to long-term mobility issues if not properly addressed.

Anatomy of the knee

• The knee joint is composed of bones, ligaments, and cartilage. The ACL is located in the center of the knee and connects the femur to the tibia. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee by preventing excessive forward movement and controlling rotational forces.

Causes

• ACL injuries commonly result from:
• - Rapid changes in direction or pivoting during sports like soccer or basketball.
• - Improper landing mechanics from jumps in activities like volleyball.
• - Direct trauma, such as a collision in contact sports.

symptoms and diagnosis

• Symptoms of an ACL tear often include a loud 'pop' sound at the time of injury, intense pain, and immediate swelling. Affected individuals may experience instability, making it difficult to bear weight.
• Diagnosis is made through physical tests, such as the Lachman test and anterior drawer test. Imaging techniques like MRI are used to confirm the extent of the damage and rule out other injuries

Physical therapy for acl rehabilitation

• Rehabilitation begins immediately post-injury or surgery:
• - Early Phase: Focuses on reducing swelling and restoring knee mobility through gentle exercises.
• - Strength Phase: Involves strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and surrounding muscles.
• - Functional Training: Includes balance, agility, and sport-specific drills to ensure readiness for return to play.
• Full recovery often takes 6-12 months, with consistent monitoring and gradual progression.

Prevention stratergies

• Strength training to balance the muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings
• Sport-specific drills that simulate real-game movements, helping athletes minimize risk

So what

• So what if advancements in preventative care, like rehabilitation programs, help reduce the risk of ACL injuries in the first place? These programs could use strength training, flexibility exercises, and neuromuscular training to prepare athletes and active individuals to prevent future ACL tears.

References

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16576-acl-tear
• https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injuries/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acl-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350738

Down Syndrome

Introduction

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This results in a range of developmental and physical features. It is one of the most common chromosomal disorders, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 babies born in the United States

Physical characteristics

• Common physical traits include:
• - Flattened facial profile
• - Almond-shaped eyes with an upward slant
• - Short neck and small ears
• - A single deep crease across the palm of the hand

Physical therapy and its impact

Physical therapy (PT) is crucial for individuals with Down Syndrome, addressing muscle hypotonia, joint laxity, and motor skill delays. • Early PT helps infants develop motor skills, such as rolling, sitting, and walking. • PT improves muscle strength, balance, and coordination. • Lifelong PT support enhances functional mobility and independence in daily activities.

So what if health outcomes for individuals with Down Syndrome improve with better treatments and physical therapy? Advances in physical therapy could help manage common issues like low muscle tone, improving strength and coordination.

so what

• https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-down-syndrome
• https://www.cdc.gov/birth-defects/about/down-syndrome.html#:~:text=Down%20syndrome%20is%20a%20genetic,healthy%20lives%20with%20supportive%20care.
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17818-down-syndrome

References