Condition
What is ACL/PCL injury?
ACL Injury: Causes
Who is at Risk?
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are relatively common, and several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing this type of knee injury. Women have a higher risk, being 2-8 times more susceptible to ACL injuries than men. This difference in risk might be due to various factors such as differences in muscle strength, the way muscles activate during movements, and hormonal influences. Participation in certain sports can also heighten the risk of ACL injuries. Sports involving quick changes in direction, sudden stops, and jumping movements like soccer, basketball, and volleyball put individuals at an increased risk due to the demanding movements involved in these activities.
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Symptoms of ACL injury
Following are the signs and symptoms of ACL injury: 1. Sudden sensation or sound of popping in the knee 2. Severe pain 3. Sudden swelling 4. Limited movement 5. Feeling of giving way or instability when bearing weight Most patients with ACL injuries can experience excruciating pain. However, some patients only experience mild discomfort. See your doctor if you think you might have hurt your knee. Do not disregard your condition, particularly if you experience or hear a popping sound.
Types of ACL injuries
Your ACL injuries may often be graded by your doctor. The grading is dependent on the extent of the injury. ACL injuries are categorised into grades I through III. Grade I injuries are those that are extremely minor. A Grade III injury is considered to be more serious. Let us understand what the three grades mean. 1. Grade I: Your ACL is still intact and supporting your knee bones even though the injury stretched it to a point of destruction. 2. Grade II: The injury caused your ACL to become partially torn and loosened due to excessive stretching. 3 Grade III: The ACL is broken into two pieces. Talk to your physician if you have any doubts regarding the type of ACL injury you are suffering from. This will help you better manage your condition.
When to See the Doctor?
You must see your doctor if you experience any of the above-mentioned ACL injury symptoms. Your condition may need your doctor’s attention, especially if you experience pain. Early diagnosis is critical to initiate early treatment. Do not delay an appointment with your doctor if you suspect an injury.
Diagnosis and Tests for ACL injury
The physical examination is necessary for the diagnosis of ACL injury. Your doctor might also suggest a few tests. Your doctor might first ask you questions about your symptoms. Your doctor needs to know what you were doing before any injury-related symptoms appeared. Your physician might also inquire about the initial symptoms that you experienced after the injury. Your doctor might try putting your leg and knee in different positions to evaluate your condition. You need to let your doctor know if any specific positions hurt the most. Your doctor might suggest a few tests. These could be an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray.
Treatment for ACL Injury
1. Physical therapy: A customised physical therapy program is frequently the first step in non-surgical treatment to strengthen the knee's surrounding muscles and increase stability. 2. Bracing and Activity Modification: Depending on the severity, people might be told to wear a brace for extra support. Changing activities can help them heal. 3. Pain Management: Medications may be prescribed to control pain and minimise inflammation during the healing process. 4. Surgical Intervention (ACL Reconstruction): To restore ligament stability through graft replacement, surgical intervention such as ACL reconstruction may be advised in more severe cases or for individuals with particular needs. 5. Follow-up and Rehabilitation: For the best possible recovery and long-term joint health, consistent follow-up appointments and rigorous rehabilitation—which includes exercises and activities supervised by medical professionals—are crucial. From routine to specialised treatments, the ACL surgery cost in Patna varies between government and private hospitals, correlating with the extent of services and facilities they furnish.
Prevention of ACL injury
Strengthening leg muscles through targeted exercises, focusing on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and core, can help prevent ACL injuries. Include agility and balance training in your exercise regimen. When participating in sports, use proper technique, particularly when jumping, cutting, or pivoting. Pay attention to the playing surfaces and wear appropriate shoes for the activity. To address biomechanical differences, implement neuromuscular training programs, especially for female athletes. Give warm-up exercises top priority before playing sports, with a focus on dynamic stretching. Additionally, think about speaking with a sports medicine specialist for individualised injury prevention strategies catered to your unique needs and activities. Even though many procedures are available in the public and private hospitals, it's better to prevent the wear and tear of ACL by incorporating healthy habits.
Post-surgery Procedure
1. Immediate Postoperative Care: Following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, patients usually receive instructions on wound care and pain management. 2. Start of Physical Therapy: To regain range of motion, strengthen muscles, and restore function, physical therapy begins soon after the ACL operation. The emphasis may be on mild exercises at first, then progress gradually. 3. Bracing and Support: A knee brace may be used initially to provide support based on the surgeon's recommendation. Its duration of use varies. 4. Weight-Bearing Progression: Under the supervision of a physical therapist, a gradual introduction of weight-bearing activities takes place, progressing from non-weight-bearing to partial and full weight-bearing. 5. Activity Graduation: Returning to regular activities and sports is a gradual process. The physical therapist and surgeon frequently supervise the patient's recovery goals and progress. 6. Follow-up Appointments: To track development, address concerns, and modify the rehabilitation plan as necessary, follow-up appointments with the surgeon and physical therapist are crucial.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Consult your physician if you have a knee injury. Never disregard any of the symptoms and indicators listed above. Visit the emergency department if you have experienced trauma or a car accident. Certain traumas and accidents can also affect other areas.
Some people can walk normally following an ACL injury. You must avoid walking on your injury even if you are not in pain. You need to learn how to recognise an ACL injury if you are an athlete in particular. If you think you may have injured your ACL, see your doctor.
It is very rare that you will injure the same ACL. Less than 10% of individuals injure the same ACL. Talk to your doctor about what you should expect after an injury and its surgery.
The ACL surgery cost varies in every city. The cost depends on the hospital, the surgeon involved and the severity of the injury.
It is not the end of a career in most cases. Take the right ACL injury treatment, and do not rush to recovery. Many athletes have returned to their passion after an ACL injury. Rehabilitation is a very important aspect after surgery. It will help in bringing back knee strength and flexibility. Ask your doctor the right time to resume your sport and start your practice.
