What is ACL?

Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL is on of the many ligaments in the knee required for stability of the knee as it prevents excessive forward movement of the knee.

How is this ligament injured?

Any twisting injury in the knee or fall with buckling of the knee may result in a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Does an injury to ACL heal?

Partial tear of the ligament heals well unless the tear is not a significant one. Complete tears will never heal

What are the problems faced with a torn ACL ligament?

ACL prevents the knee from excessive forward motion without the ACL the knee keeps on moving excessively forwards leading to giving away sensation within the knee / pain / imbalance especially on running, descending stairs, walking on uneven surfaces.

How can we stop this excessive forward motion of the knee?

With strengthening the hamstrings group of muscles one can counter the excessive forward motion within the knee to some extent if there is no other associated injury within the knee.

If untreated can this injury be harmful for the Knee?

Yes persistent excessive movement of the knee can lead to early wear & tear of the knee (Osteoarthritis) subsequent buckling of the knee can lead to injury to other normal structures within the knee which were previously normal (menisci / other ligaments) leading to worsening of the problem further.

What is the Treatment of ACL tear?

First Line of knee pain treatment is always rehabilitation & hamstrings muscle strengthening for Isolated ACLtears if this fails then operative treatment from best knee doctor /surgeon can be taken into consideration where a new ligament isconstructed using tendons available around the knee joint & fixed within the knee by a Keyhole (Arthroscopy) surgery without opening the Knee Joint.

How long is the recovery process post ACL surgery?

After the surgery for isolated ACL reconstruction one is allowed to walk with by putting weight on the operated leg as per pain tolerance which is gradually increased to full weight at 2 weeks. The Knee is protected in a brace for 3 weeks which is replaced by a smaller one & kept on for 3months. Gradually exercises are added & the rehabilitation program aims to achieve pre-injurylevels in around 8 months time.