Arthroscopic ACL Tear Surgery in Pune

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure performed to repair a damaged or torn anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. The surgery aims to reconstruct the torn ACL and PCL and remove any broken fragments of bone and menisci in the joint.

If a partial or total ACL tear is left untreated, it may become chronic ACL deficiency. The knee joint becomes unstable and is unable to sustain weight. There is frequent buckling out of the knee and chronic pain, along with chances of further damage to the cartilage.

If you have sustained an injury on the knee and you suspect your ACL has been affected, do the RICE treatment immediately. RICE stands for Rest Ice Compression Elevation. After this, see a doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis.

ACL Reconstruction surgery repairs the torn and damaged ligament effectively. The surgery will stabilize the knee and eliminate symptoms like buckling out instability and immobility, and patients who undergo ACL Reconstruction surgery at Pune in Pristyn Care testify that after the recovery and rehabilitation program, their knee functioned normally without any pain, stiffness, or discomfort. You will get relief from pain and other symptoms you experienced prior to the surgery after recovery.

The knee joint is composed of three major parts: the tibia, the patella, and the femur. The anterior cruciate ligament is responsible for connecting the femur to the tibia and keeping the knee joint stable during movements. The stability and balance provided by the ACL are crucial for movements that involve cutting and pivoting motions in several sports activities.

The ACL keeps the knee joint stable and aligned by not allowing the shin bone from sliding out of its position. The ligament also helps prevent extreme twisting or rotation of the joint.

Only a proper diagnosis can help confirm a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament. The diagnosis is done with a physical examination and diagnostic scans including X-rays and MRI scans.

In the case of minor injuries in the knee, when there is a partial tear or an extreme sprain in the anterior cruciate ligament, nonsurgical treatment methods may prove to be effective. However, in more serious injuries when there is a total tear in the anterior cruciate ligament, ACL reconstruction surgery is the only way to properly address the condition. You would be a viable candidate for an ACL reconstruction surgery if:

• You have an active lifestyle.
• You are an athlete and wish to return to sports after recovery.
• The injury is affecting your routine life.
• The ACL tear is accompanied by another knee injury, like a meniscus tear.

It’s not advisable to delay ACL reconstruction surgery as it risks worsening the damage to the knee. After diagnosis, you should discuss your treatment options with your doctor, and try to start the treatment as soon as possible.

Minimally invasive reconstruction surgery takes about one to one and a half-hour. However, you may be asked to stay in the hospital for a day for observation after the surgery.

Post-surgery, your rehabilitation plan will be started, which will go on for about 6 to 8 months. During the rehabilitation period, you would be taught several exercises and stretches by a trained physiotherapist. These exercises will help strengthen the graft and surrounding muscles.

Crutches are used to provide additional support while walking and standing and should be used according to one’s requirement. However, in most cases, patients can walk and stand without support within a week.

Most MCL injuries can be treated at home with RICE treatment (rest, ice, compress and elevate)and anti-inflammatory medicine. The orthopedic doctor may suggest the patient use crutches and wear a knee brace/ knee cap that protects the knee but also allows for some movement of the knee. The patient might need to reduce the activity for a few weeks until the MCL injury heals.

Some ligament injuries can heal with use of medication, exercise, physiotherapy , rest and RICE treatment. Grade 1 and grade 2 ligament injuries can heal on their own but it may take time. The patient would need proper care and an orthopedic specialist’s supervision for proper and quick healing.

Grade 3 ligament injury is a complete tear of the ligament and typically requires surgical treatment.

Standard medical treatment for knee ligament injury typically includes-

• Rest
• Ice pack application (to reduce swelling that occurs within hours of the injury)
• Compression (from an knee brace or elastic bandage)
• Elevate the affected leg
• Prescribed pain relievers

Proper diagnosis and examination by an orthopedic doctor is important after a ligament injury. Consult the best knee doctor in Pune at your nearest Pristyn Care clinic.

Wearing a knee cap after ligament injury can help to stabilize the knee and prevent sideways movements that may increase damage to the ligament.

Ligament repair or reconstruction is the procedure to replace or repair a damaged ligament.

• Ice the injured knee for 20-30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to reduce the pain and swelling.
• Compress the knee.
• Raise the knee on a pillow while sitting or lying down.
• Wear a knee brace or knee cap to stabilize the knee and prevent further injury.
• Take prescribed painkillers.

Partial ACL tear or a sprained ACL can heal with the use of physiotherapy, RICE treatment, rest and pain medication (to manage pain). A complete ACL tear cannot heal on its own as there is no blood supply to the injured ligament. Surgical reconstruction or repair is usually required for a completely torn ACL.

A knee brace or knee cap can help to prevent sideways movement of the knee joint and further protects the MCL from instability, strain and pressure. If an MCL tear is severe, the orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery.

It might be possible to walk with a complete ACL tear. However, the person might have a lot of pain and knee instability and a risk of further knee injuries.

It is advised to avoid swimming for 2 to 4 months after surgery. You should get your doctor’s approval before resuming such activities after ACL surgery.

ACL reconstruction or repair surgery is the best treatment for high grade anterior cruciate ligament tear.

ACL reconstruction has been a successful procedure, with satisfactory outcomes in 75%- 97% of patients.

The rehabilitation program begins immediately after the surgery. A physiotherapist will teach you some exercises that will help strengthen your leg and the operated knee. You will also be given some instructions by your surgeon for a proper recovery. These instructions involve ample rest, avoiding sports activities right after the surgery, regularly attending the follow-up appointments, and diligently following through with the physiotherapy plan.