- #11-13 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard)
- Mon Fri 9am — 6pm | Sat 9am — 12.30 pm
An ACL Tear is a damage or complete tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. This ligament stabilizes the joint and prevents the shin from moving excessively forward in relation to the thigh bone. A torn ACL, often caused by sudden turns or landings, can significantly impact mobility and athletic performance.
The following signs and symptoms are common with an ACL tear:
Several factors can contribute to an ACL tear:
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear recovery process can differ based on individual circumstances, including the injury’s severity, the surgical procedure used, and the progress in physical therapy. Here’s a general recovery timeline:
To minimise the risk of an ACL rupture while engaging in sports, here are some preventative measures you should implement.
Engage in regular strength training exercises to develop and maintain strong muscles around the knee joint. Strengthening these muscles can help stabilise the knee and reduce the likelihood of injury during sports activities.
Prior to participating in contact or high-intensity sports, ensure you are in good physical condition. Incorporate cardiovascular exercises, flexibility training, and agility drills into your fitness regimen to improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of ACL tears.
Invest in well-fitting and properly maintained sports equipment, including footwear and protective gear. This can help provide support and stability during sports activities, reducing the risk of sudden movements that may lead to ACL injuries.
Be cautious when playing on artificial turf, as it may increase the risk of ACL injuries due to the less forgiving surface compared to natural grass. Take extra care to warm up adequately and use proper techniques to minimise the risk of injury.
Recognise that certain sports, such as basketball, football, volleyball, and skiing, involve frequent pivoting and sudden changes in direction, increasing the risk of ACL tears. Consider alternative activities or take extra precautions when participating in these sports to reduce the likelihood of injury.
Be aware of individual risk factors that may predispose you to ACL tears, such as poor physical conditioning, previous injuries, or anatomical differences. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions or modifications to training routines can help mitigate the risk of injury.
The treatment approach for an ACL tear depends on the severity of the tear and your individual needs. These are the main options:
Significant swelling should be managed and reduced through rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) before surgery to improve surgical outcomes and reduce complications.
Before proceeding with ACL surgery, it is crucial to assess whether there are other injuries, such as meniscus tears or ligament damage to ensure a more effective and comprehensive recovery process.
Severe pain that interferes with daily activities or persists despite conservative treatments might indicate the need for earlier surgical intervention.
Achieving a good range of motion and adequate muscle strength prior to surgery can lead to effective post-operative results and rehabilitation process.
In ACL reconstruction surgery, the damaged ligament is replaced using a graft from one of two sources:
Autograft: This involves using a portion of the patient’s own tissue, such as the hamstring tendon, quadriceps tendon, patellar tendon, or iliotibial band.
Allograft: This involves using donor tissue from a human organ donor.
The choice of graft depends on your individual needs, though allografts are generally not recommended for young patients due to a higher risk of reinjury and graft failure. The surgery is then performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. This involves the use of fibre optics, small incisions, and specialised instruments. That said, a slightly larger incision may also be necessary to obtain the tissue graft.
After your operation, you will be taken to the recovery room, where nurses will closely monitor your blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. Please inform the nurse if you experience any nausea or pain.
Experiencing some discomfort after surgery is normal. You will be given pain relief medication to help manage this and aid in your recovery.
Once the effects of anaesthesia wear off, it is important to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to support your recovery.
Your operated leg will be carefully bandaged and kept elevated to support healing. For pain and swelling reduction, an ice wrap will be applied to your knee for 24 to 72 hours. Throughout the first week, maintain elevation and use ice wraps as necessary. Additionally, a brace will be provided for knee protection. Keep in mind that adjustments or removal should be done with guidance from your surgeon or physiotherapist.
Initially, you will need to rest in bed and use a bedpan or urinal for elimination purposes.
Your surgeon and physiotherapist will discuss your rehabilitation plan, which may include gentle hip and knee bending exercises within your pain limits.
The typical hospital stay for ACL reconstruction is two to three days, but this can vary based on recovery needs.
Spine - Neck
Shoulder & Elbow
Spine — Back
Wrist & Hand
Knee Pain
Ankle Pain
Foot Pain
Book a consultation with us for a more comprehensive diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan best suited to your needs.
Spine - Neck
Shoulder & Elbow
Spine — Back
Wrist & Hand
Knee
Ankle
Foot
