1) What is ACL?
ACL is one of four main ligament of Knee joint. It helps in providing rotational stability to knee joint. It is situated between thigh bone( femur) and leg bone (tibia). It is elastic like structure made of fibres. It works along with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in stabilising joint.
2) What is function of ACL?
It helps in providing rotational stability to knee joint along with other ligaments.
3) How ACL is torn or damaged?
Usually ACL torn due to sports injury like playing football , kabaddi, hockey. Moreover Vehicular accident and trauma are also main factor behind ACL injury
4) Does ACL heals with plaster or rest?
No. ACL beaing elastic structure it gets retracted with time and two ends of torn ACL will be seprated. Torn ACL always require surgery.
5) What are symptoms of torn ACL?
Pain Instability Weakness Unable to walk fast and run Clicking sound due to associated meniscal injury Difficulty in climbing staircase
6) When can torn ACL be operated?
Once oedema is reduced and associated injury healed, torn ACL can be reconstruted. Patient must able to bend his/her knees atleast upto 90 degree before surgery. Usually is operated between 3 to 6 weeks after injury. He should be having good quadriceps power for better post op healing.
7) How can torn ACL be diagnosed?
Usually torn ACL will be diagnosed clinically by performing test like drawers, lachmans and pivot shift test. Moreover history given by patients can lead us to diagnosis, To confirm diagnosis MRI is goldstandard. Xray is always taken to rule out other bony injury.
8) What type of surgery is performed?
ACL surgery is arthroscopic surgery. Usually surgeon will harvest hamstring tendons ( Semitendenosus and Gracilis) or BTB graft.
Tunnel is made in bone and graft is placed and fixed with button and suture disc or bioabsorbable screw.
9) When can I will be able to walk?
You will be able to walk and start knee bending on next day of surgery.
10) When can I perform all my duties?
You can able to perform your duties within 1 month.
11) Does I need physiotherapy after surgery?
Yes. ACL reconstruction being joint and ligament surgery, you will need physiotherapy for 3 month.
12) When can sports be allowed?
Contact sports will be allowed after 6 month.