ACL Reconstruction

Knee

ACL Reconstruction

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

What are the Symptoms?

The following signs and symptoms are common with an ACL tear:

A popping sound: You may hear a popping or clicking sound at the time of the injury.
Severe pain: The pain is often described as sharp and intense, making it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg.
Swelling: Rapid swelling occurs around the knee joint due to bleeding inside the joint.
Instability: The knee joint feels loose or wobbly, making it difficult to walk or maintain balance.
Reduced range of motion: Bending and straightening your knee may be difficult or painful.

What are the Causes & Risk Factor?

Several factors can contribute to an ACL tear:

Sudden changes in direction: Turning, stopping quickly, or changing direction abruptly during activities such as basketball, soccer, or skiing can put excessive stress on the ACL and lead to a tear.
Landing incorrectly: Jumping and landing incorrectly during sports or other activities can put extreme force on the knee joint, which could tear the anterior cruciate ligament.
Weak muscles: Lack of strength and stability in the muscles around the knee joint can increase the risk of ACL tears, especially during strenuous activities.

Predisposing factors for ACL Tears/ People at risk

Previous knee injuries: Having a history of knee injuries, including ligament sprains or meniscus tears, can weaken the joint and increase the risk of future ACL tears.
Muscle Imbalances: Weak hamstrings compared to the quadriceps can create instability in the knee joint, putting greater stress on the anterior cruciate ligament.
Tightness: Tight hamstrings or calf muscles can limit the ankle's range of motion and indirectly affect knee mechanics, increasing the risk of ACL tears.
Inappropriate footwear: Shoes that lack adequate arch support or have worn out soles can disrupt your gait and increase the risk of twisted ankles, which can sometimes lead to ACL tears.
Certain sports: Activities such as basketball, soccer, and skiing involve frequent changes of direction and jumping, which puts significant stress on the ACL and makes it more prone to tears.

ACL Tear Recovery Timeline

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:

Weeks 1-2: Post-surgery, you might experience significant swelling and discomfort. It’s crucial to rest, apply ice, and avoid any activities that cause pain.

Weeks 3-6: Around this time, most individuals can move around normally but may still struggle with activities that require deep knee flexion.

Months 2-3: This phase is typically dedicated to regaining full range of motion, strength, and stability.

Months 3-9: The focus shifts to improving balance, agility, and reaction time. Sport-specific training often begins during this period.

Months 6-9: This is the final stage where the goal is to return to full normal activities or sport.

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Treatment Options for ACL Tears

The treatment approach for an ACL tear depends on the severity of the tear and your individual needs. These are the main options:

Non-surgical treatment

For mild tears or people with low activity levels, a non-surgical approach focused on physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility and stability in the knee joint may be sufficient.

ACL reconstruction surgery

This surgery replaces the torn ACL with a graft, usually from the hamstring or patellar tendon. This option is often recommended for athletes or people seeking a full recovery and return to high-impact activities.

ACL Repair

In rare cases, if the tear is very small and specific conditions are met, the surgeon may attempt to repair the torn ACL by suturing the two ends together.

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ACL Reconstruction

Knee

ACL Reconstruction

What are the Symptoms?

What are the Causes & Risk Factor?

Predisposing factors for ACL Tears/ People at risk

ACL Tear Recovery Timeline

Treatment Options for ACL Tears

Non-surgical treatment

ACL reconstruction surgery

ACL Repair

Feeling Aches And Pains?

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