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How do you tear your acl in basketball
Common Ways Athletes Injure their ACL - Prevention and Treatment
Common Ways Athletes Injure their ACL - Prevention and Treatment | Rothman Orthopaedic Institute
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September 19th, 2019
An ACL injury is a very serious injury that requires immediate attention. This injury typically occurs in athletes who change direction quickly, so those involved in sports such as soccer, basketball, and football often suffer from ACL injuries.![]()
It’s likely that you’ve heard a lot about this common injury, but it’s important to stay informed as an athlete. Understanding how ACL injuries occur, as well as how they are treated and prevented can make all the difference the next time you head to practice or a game.
Keep reading to learn more.
What Is an ACL?
Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. The other three are called the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The ACL and PCL run diagonally across the middle of the knee, crossing one another to keep the bones of the leg in place. The MCL and LCL protect the inner side and outer side of the knee, respectively.
The ACL, in particular, provides rotational stability during activities such as running, jumping, and pivoting. This is why many athletes who participate in basketball, football, track events, tennis, and other sports have a higher chance of developing a tear.
What Happens During an ACL Tear?
In other words, how does the ACL tear? This injury is normally considered an acute injury, meaning it most often occurs suddenly rather than over time. Abrupt movements, such as rapidly changing direction or stopping, can cause extensive pressure that leads to a tear. Landing incorrectly after a jump or colliding with a teammate may also injure the area. ACL tears can occur alongside other knee injuries, as well.
When a tear is diagnosed, it is graded on a scale based on severity.
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Grade One Sprains represent mild damage to the ligament, which is slightly stretched but not yet torn.
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Grade Two Sprains are stretched ligaments also known as partial tears.
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Grade Three Sprains describe the complete splitting of the ligament when the knee joint is very unstable.
What are Common Causes of an ACL Injury?
While an ACL injury can occur from various different activities and movements, whether you’re an athlete or not, there are several movements that are likely causes of ACL injuries.
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Quick Movements: In sports such as soccer, basketball, and football, athletes are constantly making high-velocity pivots and rotation of lower extremities. These movements affect the function and stability of the ACL.
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Player to Player Contact: ACL injuries can also occur as contact is made from one person to another, especially during rigorous sports activity. For example, in soccer, a tackle from the side can cause the knees to knock together causing the injury.
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Landing Awkwardly: Various sports require athletes to jump, whether it’s to head a ball in soccer, or to catch a pass in football.
As athletes come down from their jump, they sometimes land awkwardly and their ACL cannot support
Although contact with another player, such as a tackle in football or soccer, can lead to the injury, it more commonly occurs without contact. A non-contact injury occurs when the foot gets planted or stuck in the ground and the knee twists awkwardly.
What are ACL Injury Symptoms?
It’s crucial to understand the symptoms of an ACL injury because it can get worse if left untreated. Most experience some or all of the following effects:
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A “popping” noise at the site of the injury
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Tenderness around the joint
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Pain with swelling
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Discomfort or inability to walk
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Decreased range of motion
What are the Top Treatments for ACL Injuries?
Unfortunately, a torn ACL will not heal without surgery.
Only patients who are elderly and/or do not intend to return to a highly active lifestyle have the best chance of responding well to non-operative care. These treatments include physical therapy exercises and knee bracing.
For athletes, ACL reconstruction surgery is usually the ideal treatment choice. Rebuilding the ligament involves replacing the torn part with a tissue graft, obtained from the patient’s own body or a cadaver. The procedure is performed with the use of an arthroscope to guide the surgeon’s actions. Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive than traditional surgery methods and results in less pain after the procedure.
The idea of undergoing surgery, especially for the first time, may frighten patients. However, receiving surgical care from highly qualified and experienced physicians can uphold the long-term health of your knee joints.
How can I prevent an ACL Injury?
While an ACL injury can’t be fully prevented if you’re active, but you can take steps to attempt to prevent the injury.
Below are our specialists’ top pieces of advice.
Mix up the exercises you do to avoid putting excessive strain on your knees and strengthen additional supportive muscles. For example, if you are a runner, add some upper-body or low-impact exercises as well as targeted strengthening techniques to your routine.
Warming up and cooling down are essential for avoiding injuries like strains and sprains. Take your time while stretching and doing light exercises, and your body will thank you later.
Rigorous and jam-packed workout schedules increase your risk of injury. Designate at least one to two days per week as rest days.
At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, our physicians believe education is the first step to preventing pain and injury. If you’re dealing with an ACL injury, our Sports Medicine team is available to help you navigate your options.
For additional knee injury prevention tips, ask a Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Sports Medicine specialist. If you need treatment, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.
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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury or Tear
What You Need to Know
- ACL injuries are more common among girls than boys.
- Treatment for ACL injuries in children requires special consideration because of the location of growth plates.
- ACL injuries are classified by grades 1, 2, and 3.
- Depending on the grade of ACL injury, the patient’s age, and level of athleticism, non-operative or surgical treatments may be recommended.
What is the anterior cruciate ligament?
The knee is a hinge joint held together by four ligaments. A ligament is a structure in the knee that holds the bones together and helps to control joint movement or motion. There is a ligament on each side of the knee (the collateral ligaments) and two ligaments deep inside the knee. The two ligaments inside the knee that “cross” each other are called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Both ligaments attach on one side to the end of the thighbone (femur) and on the other to the top of the shinbone (tibia). [Figure 1].
During activity, the ACL controls how far forward the tibia can "slide" relative to the femur: it essentially acts to prevent too much forward movement. While some degree of motion or sliding is normal and is required for knee function, too much motion may damage other structures in the knee which can lead to long term problems in some patients.
How is the ACL injured? What are the symptoms?
The ACL can be injured or torn in a number of different ways. The most common mechanism is that of a sudden pivoting or cutting maneuver during sporting activity, which is commonly seen in football, basketball and soccer. The ligament can also tear due to work injuries or automobile accidents.
At the time of the injury, a “pop” or “snap” can sometimes be felt or heard. The amount of pain experienced at the time of the injury is somewhat variable but can be quite severe. Typically, the person is unable to continue play or activity, and has the impression that a significant injury has occurred. Immediate swelling of the knee develops at the time of injury—within the first several hours—but the extent of swelling can be limited if the knee is immediately iced or splinted.
What are the symptoms of an ACL injury or tear?
- A “pop” in the knee at the time of injury
- Swelling of the knee
- Inability to bear weight on leg (though some have little or no pain)
- Instability of the knee
ACL Surgery | Michelle's Story
After an ACL tear, Michelle was determined to get back to her active lifestyle. She traveled to Johns Hopkins for ACL reconstruction under the care of sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon Andrew Cosgarea, M.D.
How is an ACL injury diagnosed?
An ACL tear can be diagnosed by a physician through a history and physical examination. On physical examination, the physician can specifically assess the amount of motion present and determine if the ACL is torn. Additionally, evaluation of other structures within the knee is done also, as ACL tears are often found in association with injury to other structures within the knee, such as the cartilage and collateral ligaments.
X-rays are taken to evaluate for the presence of any fractures. In many patients, an MRI scan of the knee may be ordered. The scan can clarify the question of an ACL tear if the history and examination are inconclusive.
The scan is also useful for evaluating the cartilage or meniscus tissue in the knee if this information is necessary to make decisions regarding the best treatment for a specific patient.
What are the different types of ACL injury or tears?
ACL injuries are commonly classified in grades of 1, 2 or 3.
Grade 1
Grade 1 injuries include ACLs that have suffered mild damage, e.g., the ACL is mildly stretched but still provides adequate stability to the knee joint.
Grade 2
Grade 2 ACL injuries are rare and describe an ACL that is stretched and partially torn.
Grade 3
Grade 3 ACL tears happen when the ACL is torn completely in half and is no longer providing any stability to the knee joint.
Tibial Spine Avulsion ACL Injury
Adolescents may also commonly have what is called a tibial spine avulsion ACL injury. With this type of injury, the ACL itself is not torn, but the bony attachment of the ligament to the tibia (lower legbone) is pulled off.
Depending on how far the bony attachment of the ligament is pulled off, the injury can result in weakness or instability of the knee if it is not fixed.
ACL Tears in Female Athletes: Q&A with a Sports Medicine Expert
Sports injury prevention isn't a one-stop shop, especially for injuries like ACL tears, which are four to eight times more common among women than men. Discover ways for women to help prevent this common injury.
Read more
What is the treatment for an ACL injury or tear?
Treatment options are based on the patient’s symptoms, examination, the growth remaining in his or her growth plates, type of injury to the ligament, and the type of sports and activity goals.
Nonsurgical
Nonsurgical treatment is most appropriate for grade 1 injuries. This would include immobilization or bracing, physical therapy, and a gradual progression back to regular activities and sports.
Surgical
Surgical treatment is recommended for individuals with a grade 3 or complete ACL tear.
Surgical options may vary based on the type of ACL injury, whether the patient has open or closed growth plates, and the type.
Seminar
Common Sports and Activity Related Injuries: What to Consider from Pain to Breaks
Learn more about common sports injuries and treatments to consider from our sports medicine expert Alex Johnson, M.D., and our foot and ankle expert John Thompson, M.D., in this webinar-based video.
Watch the webinar
What are the special considerations for a pediatric ACL injury or tear?
Children and adolescents may have open growth plates and a significant amount of growing left to do. This is an important factor and part of the discussion when weighing the options for ACL treatment.
If the patient has significant growth remaining, the treatment recommended will avoid disrupting the growth plates so that future growth isn’t hindered.
Basketball rules: gestures of judges in basketball
Hello, dear visitors of the site " Basketball Lessons ". Today we will talk about one of the integral parts of the refereeing process in a basketball game - the gestures of the referees. Basketball referees gestures serve to explain to both the spectators and table officials what point of the basketball rules was violated, by whom it was violated and what sanctions the player who violated the rules will incur.
This article was written using FIBA official rules of 2010, which are currently the basis for all professional basketball tournaments in territory under the control of the International Federation of Basketball Associations. To quote these rules: “The signs given in these Rules are the only official signs.
They must be used by all referees in all games. It is important that table officials are also familiar with these gestures.”
We will begin the story about the gestures of basketball referees with the gestures that indicate shots on the ring , successful throw attempts, as well as an indication of the number of points scored.
Rules of Basketball: referee gestures - throwing the ring
The next series of referee gestures affects everything that is somehow connected with playing time. Basketball Rules: Basketball referee gestures on playing time
Administrative gestures of basketball referees are related to substituting one player for another, inviting a player to the court, announcing a timeout, as well as visual demonstration of the countdown (five seconds and eight seconds) . In addition, there is a gesture that is used to communicate between referees and table officials. Basketball rules: administrative gestures of referees
The next group of gestures, which includes eleven types of gestures, is designed to demonstrate to the spectators and table officials which rules of basketball were violated in this particular episode.
Referee signal will tell us if the player had a run or used an incorrect dribble (double dribble, carry), if the player was too long in the three-second zone or did not have time to put the ball into play, if the kick was intentional or if the player fouled a rule zones. Basketball rules: gestures of basketball referees violation of the rules
Okay, the player violated basketball rules (committed a foul) and the referee noticed it. Now he must fully inform the referee's table about this. The whole procedure consists of three steps. The first step is to notify the table officials of the number of the offending player. Rules of Basketball: Referee Informing Gesture
The second step is to demonstrate what type of foul has occurred: misuse of the hands, collision with a player in possession of the ball or a player without the ball. Also, in certain situations, the referee may call a double foul, technical foul, unsportsmanlike foul or even a disqualifying foul.
Rules of Basketball: Foul Type Gesture
Finally, the referee's third step is to announce the number of free throws awarded (one, two or three shots). If the violation of the rules does not involve free throws, then the referee must indicate the direction for the continuation of the game. Rules of Basketball: Punishment for Violations of the Rules Rules of Basketball: Punishment for Violations of the Rules
So, the referee has already shown the type and type of violation of the rules and determined the punishment for him. The last group of gestures of basketball referees refers directly to the performance of free throws (free throws). Moreover, the type of gesture differs depending on whether the referee is inside the restricted area or outside it. Rules of Basketball: Free Throws Rules of Basketball: Free Throws
This is the end of the article devoted to such important elements of basketball as referees' gestures. Thanks to it, without the help of a commentator (especially in English-language broadcasts), we will be able to figure out who and for what violation of the rules of the game of basketball was assigned a personal note; we will see how the referee, who is on the site, addresses his colleagues, who are at the referee's table, with gestures.
Now - the body language of arbitrators can become an open book for us.
By the way, on the subject of gestures of basketball referees - one very funny video.
[youtube]9dSMG1FTSjg[/youtube]
Good luck with your training and see you soon on the pages of this site!
Basketball coaching hacks: how to score goals for beginners
Even if you are a novice basketball player, we will not give you a training plan, but we will tell you why the ball flies anywhere but into the ring and into your hands. It's all about technique: even with regular training and perseverance, novice adults and children often make simple mistakes. It's a shame, let's fix it. Below are 11 life hacks on how to hone your technique to increase the likelihood of a goal for your team.
Basketball Shot Rules for Beginners
1. Hands up
In pursuit of the attacker, raise your hands, even if you are standing with your back to the pass, and even more so if the ring is in front of you.
Your raised hands will increase the chance of intercepting the ball from the opponent by 2 times. Don't overlook this little thing!
2. Make shield rolls
Even Tim Duncan did not neglect them! A square is drawn on the basketball backboard. If you are standing opposite the ring, then aim at the middle of the upper part of the square, if you are standing on the side, then at the corner. If you hit this square, then the ball is at 90% of cases will fall into the ring. The law of physics and no cheating!
3. Look at the ring, not at the ball
Practice driving the ball with your hand, not your eyes, develop tactile control. Your eyes should be on the hoop while dribbling and be aware of the position of your body in relation to the hoop. Then you will be able to take the correct posture, and the throw will be effective.
4. Dribble with the balls of your fingers only
The palm should not touch the ball, only the pads of the fingers.
Dribbling should become familiar to you, like an extension of your hand. Then you can change its trajectory at any time and you will have more chances to score goals. Practice with the ball constantly.
5. Throw with one hand
If you throw the ball with two hands, you reduce the chance of hitting the basket. All the efforts of the throw are in one hand (in the right for right-handers, in the left for left-handers). The other hand only holds the ball, the leading one holds it with the fingers, not the palm.
6. Do not jump when protecting the ring
Jumping is the main mistake of rookie defenders. To intercept the ball and block the shot, simply stick out your hands. When you are in a jump, the attacker will easily bypass you.
7. Don't look back
When you dribble, don't look back, but dribble and aim for the ring, focus on shooting (or passing to another player on your team).
8. Bring the throw to automatism
Incorporate the most basic basketball techniques into your training plan and bring the shot to automatism.
Throw first from a distance of half a meter from the ring, gradually increasing it. Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge.
Throw the ball with all fives and jump
Throwing Rules:
- Head in the center of the body - if tilted, accuracy is lost.
- Look at the ring: mentally build a trajectory. If you are far away, the ball flies in a curved curve with a maximum height of 2 meters above the hoop.
- A strong hand is in front and throws, a weak hand is on the side and directs, only holding the ball. The elbow of the throwing hand must be in line with the ring.
- The ball must rest on the fingers without touching the palm. The fingers are as far apart as possible and grab the ball.
- Throwing arm bent 90 degrees, forearm perpendicular to the floor. If you bend less, then you get not a throw, but a throwing of the ball horizontally.
The main thing in the throw is the position of the body and its balance.
Place your feet apart and parallel to each other: it is important to orient them in the middle of the basket. Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal).
Take a deep breath and release as you exhale.
How to hold the ball and shoot in basketball
How to throw correctly: straighten your arm, point your wrist up, and with your hand set the ball to rotate in the opposite direction from the flight. The ball should seem to "roll" off your fingers.
9. Copy masters and play as a team
Watch professional basketball games and try to copy the movements of your favorite players in training. And be sure to conduct game sparring - this will allow you to develop more techniques.
10. Do not throw in a straight line
The higher the arc of the ball, the greater the chance of a goal and the less chance of blocking by the opponent.
