Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) – Injury, Reconstruction and Recovery | Dehradun

ACL Ortho ACL tear Anterior Cruciate Ligament

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction – Symptoms, Treatment and Recovery | Dehradun

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key stabilising structures of the knee. It plays an important role during movements such as pivoting, running, landing from a jump or changing direction. An injury to the ACL can significantly affect knee stability, confidence and the ability to perform daily or sports-related activities.

When an ACL tear leads to persistent instability or difficulty in movement, reconstruction of the ligament may be considered as part of the treatment plan.

ACL injuries are commonly seen across all age groups, and many patients in Dehradun seek evaluation when instability affects daily activities.

The Anatomy of the ACL

The ACL is a strong ligament that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It prevents excessive forward movement of the tibia and also helps control rotational stability. Together with the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and the menisci, it contributes to smooth and coordinated knee function.

How ACL Injuries Occur

ACL injuries are commonly seen in sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction or jumping. They may also occur due to falls, road-traffic accidents or twisting injuries during daily activities. Symptoms often include:

• A sudden popping sensation
• Immediate swelling
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Knee instability or “giving way”
• Reduced range of motion

A clinical evaluation supported by MRI typically confirms the diagnosis.

Why Reconstruction May Be Considered

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft. It may be considered for several reasons:

1. Restoring Knee Stability

After an ACL tear, the knee may become unstable, making it difficult to perform daily activities and sports. ACL reconstruction aims to restore stability to the knee so that routine movements can be performed with greater confidence.

2. Reducing the Risk of Further Damage

In some patients, an untreated ACL-deficient knee may be associated with injuries to the meniscus or joint cartilage over time. Reconstruction can help reduce the risk of such secondary damage in appropriately selected cases.

3. Supporting an Active Lifestyle

For individuals who wish to return to pivoting sports, high-demand activities or physically intensive work, restoring ligament stability may be an important part of the treatment plan. ACL reconstruction, combined with rehabilitation, can help support this goal where clinically appropriate.

Types of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions

Different techniques and fixation methods are available for ACL reconstruction. The choice depends on patient anatomy, graft selection and surgeon assessment.

Metal Screw ACL Reconstruction

A traditional method in which metal screws secure the graft within the femoral and tibial tunnels.

Advantages:

• Well-established technique
• Provides strong graft fixation

Considerations:

• Metal hardware may, in some cases, cause irritation
• Rare risk of needing removal if symptoms persist

Bio Screw ACL Reconstruction

In this technique, bioabsorbable screws hold the graft in place and gradually dissolve over time.

Advantages:

• No long-term metal implant
• Reduced likelihood of hardware-related irritation

Considerations:

• Screw integrity varies; in rare situations, breakage may occur

All-Inside Technique ACL Reconstruction

It is a screw-less, minimally invasive technique.

This method uses minimal bone tunnelling and specialised devices to secure the graft largely within the joint.

Advantages:

• Minimally invasive
• Smaller incisions and reduced soft-tissue handling
• Potential for quicker comfort and early rehabilitation

Considerations:

• Technique selection depends on anatomy and tear pattern

Internal Brace ACL Reconstruction

In this method, a synthetic fibre tape is added alongside the graft to provide additional support during early healing.

Advantages:

• May offer supplemental stability during rehabilitation
• Minimally invasive

Considerations:

• Long-term outcome data is still evolving

Rehabilitation After ACL Reconstruction

Physiotherapy plays a central role in recovery following ACL reconstruction. Rehabilitation typically focuses on:

• Reducing swelling
• Restoring range of motion
• Strengthening quadriceps and hamstrings
• Balance and proprioception training
• Gradual return-to-activity programme

Return to sports is guided by clinical assessment, strength benchmarks and functional testing.

Our Approach to ACL Care at Hari Ram Kohli Memorial Hospital, Dehradun

At Hari Ram Kohli Memorial Hospital, ACL care includes:

• Clinical examination and MRI review
• Discussion of treatment options
• Guidance on graft choices and techniques
• Pre-operative counselling
• Arthroscopic reconstruction when indicated
• Structured physiotherapy pathways
• Follow-up evaluations to monitor progress

Care plans are individualised, and treatment decisions are made based on the patient’s symptoms, goals and clinical findings.

In Summary

ACL injuries can significantly affect knee stability and confidence. When instability persists or activity demands are high, ACL reconstruction may be considered as part of the treatment plan. Understanding the available techniques, expected recovery and rehabilitation process helps patients make informed decisions.

Patients in Dehradun experiencing knee instability or suspected ACL injury can benefit from a clinical assessment to determine suitable treatment options.

To discuss symptoms or explore treatment options in Dehradun, you may schedule a consultation.

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