AnteriorCruciate Ligament (ACL)is the primary stabiliser of the knee. It prevents instability and buckling of the knee while doing activities of daily living. It acts as a primary restrain to anterior translation of the leg bone. The usual primary mode of injury to the ACL is during a vigorous sporting activity or an accident. There is atypical popping sound with intense swelling and throbbing pain at the time of injury which is highly suggestive of an ACL tear. The primary management of a'hot' knee includes immediate orthopaedic consultation with supervised Rest, Ice fomentation, Compression bandage and Elevation of the limb along with anti-inflammatory and analgesics.
After the acute pain and swelling has settled in about two-week time, it is now time for your second visit for clinical examination and investigations to confirm the diagnosis. The primary investigations include a Skiagram, an MR scan andPre-anaesthetic Workup. This is followed by some rehabilitative exercises to maintain the range of motion at the knee joint and prevent muscular atrophy of the thigh muscles. Rehabilitation remains a very important part of the treatment till the operative procedure is undertaken. This leads to good results post-surgery both in terms of early return to sports and better function.Patients undergoing immediate surgery after trauma have slightly increased chances of stiffness post operatively due to existing pain even before surgery. Most centres recommend a surgical intervention only after the acute injury is settled. ArthroscopicACL reconstruction has completely replaced the open approach and has been consistently giving excellent results in expert hands. Benefits include lesser chances of scarring, post-operative infection, pain, swelling, wound related complications & early rehabilitation. The patient is usually on his toes by the next day on braces and support. The braces are discontinued usually by two-week time. For anyqueries please write to us at: jyoti.orthopedics@gmail.com;
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