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Anterior cruciate ligament rupture — RCPSC EM MCQ

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ModerateMusculoskeletalAnterior cruciate ligament ruptureRCPSC EM

A 23-year-old soccer player twists his knee and cannot continue. The knee is swollen within one hour. Lachman testing is limited by pain but suggests increased anterior translation; radiographs show no fracture. What is the most appropriate next step?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Immobilise as needed for comfort, provide analgesia and arrange urgent sports medicine or orthopaedic follow-up for suspected ACL injury

Rapid haemarthrosis after a pivoting injury is highly suggestive of ACL rupture. ED care is analgesia, protected weight-bearing, bracing if needed and timely follow-up rather than definitive ligament treatment.

Reference: Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine principles; Rosen's Emergency Medicine