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ACL Tear

ACL Tear : ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is a strong band of tissue inside your knee joint which provides translatory and rotatory stability to the joint. ACL tear is a very common sports injury, occurring due to twisting or sudden change in direction of knee.

 

SYMPTOMS

Patient may hear a pop or give away feel when ACL injury occurs. Patient complains of Instability, decreased confidence or pain in knee joint on weight bearing. Clinical tests show signs of instability.

 

INVESTIGATIONS

X- Ray: – X- Ray of knee joint should be done to rule out any bony fracture/ avulsion of ACL attachment.

MRI:- MRI is the investigation of choice to look for degree of ACL tear and associated injuries like cartilage damage/meniscus tear.

 

Treatment:- Follow the RICE model immediately after Injury to decrease swelling and pain

Rest

Ice

Compression

Elevation

Your doctor will prescribe analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs

 

Treatment

Once acute stage is over, treatment depends on age, symptoms and activity level.

 

Physcial Therapy :-

Patients with relatively low demand activities and lesser symptoms are managed with exercises to strength the muscles and increase range of motion.

 

Surgery:

Your doctor may prescribe you surgery depending on various factors.

 

Age:

Although there is no cut off age but surgery is generally not done after 50 -55 years of age.

Activity Level:

Athletes, sportsmen and people with high activity level are candidates for surgery

Symptoms

If you have frank symptoms/signs of instability or not responding to physical therapy ,surgical intervention is better.

 

Once surgery is decided, Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is done. Arthroscopy (Key-hole surgery) is minimally invasive with less pain, less bleeding , minimal tissue damage and early return to activity.