Hindustan Times News
Anterior cruciate ligament tears: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments
Tears/ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament result in knee instability. Here are its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the main stabilizing ligament on the inside of the knee. Its main function is to prevent the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forward and rotating on the femur (thigh bone). Tears/ruptures of the ligament result in knee instability.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Manu Bora, Knee Injury and ACL Surgery expert and Orthopedic Surgeon at Nexus Day Surgery Centre, shared, “ACL tears are typically caused by twisting or hyperextension injuries. Sports activities like pivoting or sudden deceleration when running and falls during skiing are considered non-contact causes of ACL tears. Direct trauma to the back or side of the knee during collision sports is considered a contact injury to the ACL.”
Symptoms:
Dr. Manu Bora informed, “ACL tears cause immediate pain and often swelling. You may feel something “pop” inside the knee. An initial inability to bear weight on the leg may subside, and walking may be possible after several minutes. The knee may feel loose or that it is going to “give out” and returning to sport is impossible. Over time, swelling will increase and motion may be lost.”
How is it diagnosed?
Revealing that your surgeon will perform a thorough history and physical exam with X-rays, Dr. Manu Bora said, “On exam, swelling and loss of motion and strength are present. Your surgeon will perform maneuvers to check the stability of all the knee ligaments and the meniscus. An MRI is helpful to confirm the diagnosis, showing the ACL tear. The type of tear (partial, complete, avulsion from either the tibia or femur) can be defined, which may assist in surgical planning. The MRI may also show bone bruising secondary to the injury.”
Treatments:
1. Non-operative – Dr. Manu Bora explained, “ACL tears do not heal. Some patients elect not to have reconstruction surgery. Non-operative treatment increases the risk of “wear and tear” arthritis and meniscus tears because of the instability in the joint. Non-operative treatment consisting of anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, cryotherapy, and activity modification may be prescribed prior to surgery to decrease the swelling, and regain motion and strength, as research has demonstrated that surgery is less complicated and patients have better outcomes. Non-operative treatment in surgical patients may be skipped if other injuries to the meniscus and cartilage are present and need to be repaired immediately.”
2. Operative – According to the health expert, “Operative management of ACL tears depends on the type of tear. ACL repair may be indicated in patients where the ACL is clearly torn off the wall of the femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone. ACL repair is accomplished through a minimally-invasive arthroscopic procedure and is sewed back into place and fixed with screws or buttons. The repair may also be supplemented with high-strength suture.”
Dr. Manu Bora added, “If formal reconstruction is required, a new ACL graft will be fixed in place of the original ligament. A technique for graft placement and graft choice is a shared decision between you and your surgeon. Most techniques are performed through a minimally-invasive arthroscopic procedure. The graft can be taken from around your knee or from a donor. Postoperative rehabilitation, return to daily activities and return to sport depends on the technique and graft chosen and is at your surgeon’s discretion.”
3. Internal Brace Option – Highlighting that the Internal Brace procedure, which has been proven to be efficacious, can be applied in various ways throughout the knee, Dr. Manu Bora said, “This augmentation helps prevent an excess range of motion during the healing phase and may reduce the chances of secondary injury. In the setting of ACL reconstruction, the Internal Brace procedure helps protect against various modes of failure including creep and irreversible stretch, traumatic tearing, and slippage of the tendon-bone interface. The Internal Brace technique may also help protect small and vulnerable ACL reconstruction grafts from these modes of failure.”