ACL Treatment

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Treating ACL Injuries

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in sports, especially those involved in sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or jumping. Right after sustaining an ACL injury, RICE therapy - Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation - is the recommended home treatment to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and speed up healing.

Prompt and appropriate treatment, along with focused rehabilitation, is vital for recovering from these injuries and preventing future occurrences. Additionally, emphasising injury prevention through proper training and conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of ACL injuries.

Diagnosis

Treatment Options

Post-Treatment Timeline

Diagnosis

Our ACL specialist, Dr Seng, will ask questions to understand the cause and nature of the knee injury.

During a physical exam, knee swelling, limited knee extension, and instability during specific diagnostic manoeuvres could indicate a potential ACL injury.

To confirm the diagnosis of an ACL tear and detect any related injuries, we can arrange an X-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan.

Untreated ACL tears can result in future injuries such as knee instability, meniscal injury, osteoarthritis, and harm to surrounding cartilage. Ultimately, this increases the likelihood of requiring a total joint replacement.

Seek ACL Treatment Early

Treatment Options

Treatment for an ACL injury varies based on the severity of the injury.

Non-Surgical Options

Use of assistive devices such as crutches, a knee brace, or knee immobiliser for added support and to aid healing.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation to improve the range of movement, proprioception, and stability of the knee joint.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin to reduce pain and swelling.
Patient education on how to perform exercises and movements correctly to prevent re-injury.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

ACL treatment typically involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft made from a tendon, promoting long-term stability and recovery compared to repairs with sutures. A graft can be obtained from the patient's tendon (autograft) or donor's tissue (allograft).

Hamstring Tendon Autograft

Patellar Tendon Autograft

Allografts

The choice of graft type should be tailored to the patient's individual circumstances, including age, activity level, and lifestyle. A thorough discussion with your ACL surgeon is essential to make an informed decision.

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Post-Treatment Timeline

Minimally invasive surgeries are outpatient procedures offering benefits including smaller scars, lesser pain, and shorter downtime. Usually, you can be discharged on the same day after the procedure.

Following surgery, a qualified physiotherapist will work with you to develop a personalised rehabilitation plan. Typically, rehabilitation after ACL surgery takes about 9 months to achieve a complete return to sports. However, this duration may vary for each individual based on their unique circumstances.

It is crucial to be patient with your body and not rush the recovery process, as this could heighten the risk of re-rupture. Allow your knee to undergo sufficient healing and strengthening before engaging in sports to achieve a successful and enduring recovery.