What is a Ligament?
A ligament is a structure made which connect two bones to each other.
Which are the ligaments of the knee joint?
Knee has four ligaments. Anterior Cruciate Ligament and PCL ligaments are in the middle of the knee joint. MCL and LCL are sided support.
How is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament injured?
ACL injury can be due to boke accident or during playing.
What are the symptoms of an ACL tear?
As soon as the injury occurs patient complains of pain in knee joint an not able to walk. He may hear a pop of injury. Immediately there is swelling in the knee joint. After some time pain and swelling may decrease. The patient complains of difficulty in walking, running and getting down from stairs. He may also complain of instablity of the knee joint. Walking on the uneven ground feel problematic and patient feel that knee is not under control and loose.
How is an ACL tear diagnosed?
Diagnosis of ACL tear can be done by MRI.
Do ACL tears heal by themselves?
ACL tear can never heal on its own.
Does every patient with an ACL tear need surgery?
No, an only young active patient with age below 50 need surgery.
Treatment of ACL tears
Surgery of ACL ligament is done through arthroscopy. So there is no big skin cut is needed. The patient is allowed to walk from next day of surgery. In this surgery, tendon graft is taken from patient's body and then it is used to make new ACL. The graft is fixed with screws. Two varieties of screws are available One is titanium and other is Bio screw. The advantage of Bioscrew is that there is no need for removal. it is dissolved in the body.
Post-op Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction
The patient is allowed to walk next day of surgery. In initial two weeks, he may need the help of a walker for support. Physiotherapy will be started immediately. Knee bending is also allowed.
How long does it take to recover from an ACL reconstruction surgery?
The patient can go to office work in a month time. sports are allowed after 6 to 9 months.
What is outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction surgery?
ACL is very successful surgery with the most patient have very good results.
