Acute Soft Tissue Injury
Acute soft injury occurring around the knee results in varying amounts of swelling and pain. The middle genicular artery provides the blood supply to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Acute tear of the ligament stimulates nociceptor fibers which stretch the joint capsule along with bleeding into the joints. While the primary sensation of pain moderates, the consequences of the changed biomechanics of the knee joint leads to persistent symptoms. The soft tissue injury, particularly affecting the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the case of athletes mostly leads to osteoarthritis and significant knee pain.