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ACL rupture — PLAB 1 MCQ

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EasyKnee InjuriesACL rupturePLAB 1

A 23-year-old netball player lands from a rebound, feels the knee shift, and develops a large effusion within two hours. Lachman testing is soft compared with the other side and she cannot continue pivoting drills. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Anterior cruciate ligament rupture

A rapid haemarthrosis after a non-contact pivoting injury is characteristic of ACL rupture. A soft Lachman endpoint is more discriminating than joint-line tenderness in the acute swollen knee. MRI confirms associated injuries, but the clinical pattern points to ACL disruption.

Reference: BJSM/Brukner & Khan