One of the primary ligaments in the knee joint is the anterior cruciate ligament (or ACL). For normal movement and mechanics of the knee joint the ACL is important. People may notice problems in the way their knee functions when the ACL is torn.
Common symptoms include:
• Knee swelling
• Joint Pain
• Buckling sensations
• Instability
• Difficulty to perform sports activities
To replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament, ACL reconstruction or surgery is performed. ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports such as soccer, basketball, downhill skiing, football, and gymnastics that involve sudden changes and stops in direction.
During the surgery the torn ligament is removed and replaced with a piece of tendon from a deceased donor or from another part of your knee. It’s performed through small incisions around your knee joint and is an outpatient procedure.
Why it’s done?
ACL injuries happen when you put stress on the knee during sports and fitness activities.
For individuals who are relatively inactive, or engage in moderate recreational activities and exercise a course of physical therapy may successfully treat an ACL injury.
ACL surgery is generally recommended if:
• You're an athlete and your training involves pivoting, cutting or jumping
• More than one meniscus or ligament in your knee is injured
• During everyday activities your knee is buckling
• You are young and physically very active
ACL injuries can either be partial or complete. It is difficult to decide on surgery when there is a partial ACL tear.
Based on how much the ligament is damaged ACL sprains are graded by doctors. If there is only minor stretching to the ligament it is Grade 1. A partial ACL tear where the ligament is damaged and loose is Grade 2. If there is a complete tear of the ACL it is Grade 3 sprain, which is the most common. Surgery is almost inevitable in a Grade 3 injury as the knee joint becomes unstable.
A decision is taken by most surgeons based on how much instability the injury has caused. Surgery is recommended if the knee is unstable. Non-surgical treatments may be considered if the knee is stable.
The decision is usually based on physical examination findings and analyzing a combination of symptoms. If you have episodes of feeling the knee giving way or knee instability, that can be a determining factor. The tests done in the physical exam will be considered by the doctor. These tests often include pivot-shift test and the Lachman test. Knee reconstruction is a reasonable option if these are consistent with laxity of the ACL.
Treatment for ACL Injuries in Kerala
Dr. Thadi Mohan is a leading knee injury doctor in India. Depending on the severity of your ACL injury, treatment options will be suggested by Dr. Thadi Mohan, one of the best Orthopaedic Specialists in Kerala. He can help you regain strength and stability.
Visit Us @ orthopaedic-surgery-india.com
Mail Us @ orthopaedicsurgeryindia@gmail.com
Book an appointment: orthopaedic-surgery-india.com/book-appointment
