ACL Surgery
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ACL Surgery in Lucknow
Most commonly seen as a sports injury in sportsperson and athletes, ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament. Sportspersons who are involved in basketball, football and tennis often suffer from this injury.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON REASONS FOR ACL INJURIES?
During certain intense physical activities and sports, the ACL injuries can happen.
The most common of all include the following:
- Stopping suddenly while walking
- Changing your speed when running
- Incorrect landing from a jump
- During an accident or sports, a direct blow to the knee.
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR SYMPTOMS OF ACL TEAR?
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There is usually a “popping” noise along with the injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. It also has a feeling of the knee giving out from under. The other symptoms may include the following:
- Not able to perform the whole range of motions at the joint of the knee
- Severe tenderness in the joint region
- Walking also is not comfortable
- Severe pain and swelling: The knee may begin to start swelling within a day after an ACL injury. There are times when the swelling and pain get resolved on its own after a good rest. But in case the person continues with certain activities it can lead to further instability to the meniscus that functions as a cushion for the knee.
DIAGNOSIS
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The doctor, while doing a physical exam will check your knee for tenderness and swelling and compare your injured knee to your uninjured knee. Your knee will be moved by the doctor in a variety of positions to know the different range of motions.
Further diagnosis will be done on the basis of the physical exam. There will be various other tests required to rule out other causes and to determine the severity of your injury. The common tests are following
X-Ray – You will be advised to get a X-Ray done to rule out any bone fracture.
MRI – An MRI uses a strong magnetic field to create images of both soft and hard tissues in the body. The MRI also shows the extent of an ACL injury and also signs of damage to other tissues in the knee and that include the cartilage.
Ultrasound – Ultrasound is used to check for injuries in the tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the knee.
ACL Surgery in Lucknow
ACL surgery may be recommended for patients with significant ligament tears causing knee instability, especially when symptoms persist despite rehabilitation and non-surgical treatment.
ACL Surgery in Lucknow
ACL surgery may be recommended for patients with significant ligament tears causing knee instability, especially when symptoms persist despite rehabilitation and non-surgical treatment.
Symptoms That May Indicate an ACL Injury
Patients often describe their symptoms in everyday language. Common symptoms include:
A popping sound at the time of injury
Sudden knee pain after twisting or landing
Rapid swelling of the knee
Knee giving way while walking
Feeling of instability during movement
Difficulty walking comfortably
Reduced range of knee movement
Pain during sports activities
Difficulty changing direction while walking or running
Persistent knee instability after injury
A popping sound at the time of injury
Sudden knee pain after twisting or landing
Rapid swelling of the knee
Knee giving way while walking
Feeling of instability during movement
Difficulty walking comfortably
Reduced range of knee movement
Pain during sports activities
Difficulty changing direction while walking or running
Persistent knee instability after injury
These symptoms alone do not confirm an ACL tear. A clinical examination and imaging studies are important before treatment decisions are made.
When to see a doctor urgently?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Knee injury after sports or a road traffic accident
- Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
- Rapid swelling immediately after injury
- Suspected fracture or knee dislocation
- Severe knee instability
- Locked knee that cannot be moved
- Open wounds around the knee
- Severe pain with inability to walk
How Is an ACL Injury Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis helps determine the severity of the injury and the most appropriate treatment:
Clinical Examination
- Knee stability assessment
- Ligament integrity tests
- Range of motion assessment
- Walking pattern (gait assessment)
- Muscle strength evaluation
Imaging & Investigations
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound (selected cases)
- Pre-operative fitness assessment (when surgery is planned)
Treatment Ladder for ACL Injuries
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, activity level, and patient goals:
1) Non-Surgical Management
- Activity modification
- Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE)
- Pain-relieving medications
- Knee support
- Home exercise programme
2) Physiotherapy & Bracing
- Structured physiotherapy
- Knee strengthening exercises
- Balance and stability training
- Functional rehabilitation
- Knee braces (selected patients)
3) ACL Reconstruction Surgery
- Complete ACL tear
- Persistent knee instability
- Sports-related ligament injuries
- Failure of conservative treatment
- Active individuals wishing to return to sports
- Associated meniscus or ligament injuries
4) Advanced Knee Reconstruction
Additional procedures may be required when multiple ligaments, cartilage, or meniscus injuries are present.
Recovery Expectations
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury, surgical procedure, and rehabilitation programme:
Conservative Treatment
Many patients improve with physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, and activity modification.
After ACL Surgery
Recovery includes a structured rehabilitation programme focusing on restoring knee movement, strength, balance, and function. Return to sports depends on individual recovery and the surgeon’s assessment.
Long-Term Recovery
Recovery timelines vary between individuals. Regular physiotherapy and follow-up are important for optimal outcomes.
Risks and Limitations of ACL Surgery
Treatment Risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Knee stiffness
- Graft failure
- Persistent instability
- Anaesthetic complications
Limitations
- Rehabilitation is essential after surgery
- Return to sports varies between patients
- Re-injury is possible with high-impact activities
- Recovery depends on adherence to physiotherapy
RELATED TREATMENTS
Related Orthopedic Treatments
ACL reconstruction restores knee stability after an anterior cruciate ligament injury, helping patients return to daily activities and sports. Explore related orthopedic treatments that support recovery, strengthen the knee, and reduce the risk of future injuries Orygyn Clinic.
Arthritis Treatment
General Orthopedics
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee Pain Treatment
PCL Reconstruction
Physiotherapy
Sports Injury Treatment
Knee Replacement Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ACL injury?
An ACL injury is a partial or complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the major ligaments that stabilizes the knee joint.
When is ACL surgery recommended?
ACL surgery may be recommended for complete ligament tears, persistent knee instability, active individuals, or patients who wish to return to sports.
Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?
Some partial tears may be managed with physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and individual activity level.
How is an ACL injury diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually includes a clinical examination, MRI scan, and X-rays to assess associated injuries.
How long does ACL surgery take?
ACL reconstruction typically takes about one to two hours, depending on the surgical technique and associated injuries.
Why choose Dr. Gaurav Sharma for ACL surgery in Lucknow?
Dr. Gaurav Sharma performs a detailed assessment of ACL injuries using clinical examination and appropriate imaging before recommending treatment. Depending on the severity of the ligament tear, activity level, and recovery goals, he advises the most suitable treatment plan, including rehabilitation or ACL reconstruction surgery when medically indicated.
Is physiotherapy necessary after ACL surgery?
Yes. Physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery and helps restore strength, movement, and knee stability.
When can I walk after ACL surgery?
Most patients begin walking with support shortly after surgery, following the surgeon’s rehabilitation protocol.
When can I return to sports?
Return to sports depends on healing, rehabilitation progress, knee stability, and the surgeon’s assessment.
What are the risks of ACL surgery?
Potential risks include infection, graft failure, knee stiffness, blood clots, persistent instability, and anaesthetic complications.
When should I seek urgent medical attention after a knee injury?
Seek immediate medical care if you cannot bear weight, experience rapid swelling, severe instability, suspected fractures, or knee dislocation.
Does Orygyn Clinic provide pharmacy support after ACL surgery?
Yes. Orygyn Clinic has an in-house pharmacy for patient convenience. After ACL surgery, prescribed medications for pain management and post-operative recovery may be available at the clinic pharmacy, subject to availability. Patients also receive guidance on medication use, wound care, and follow-up appointments.
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Chief Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Chief Orthopedic Specialist
Why Choose Orygyn Clinic?
- Led by Dr. Gaurav Sharma, MMBS, MS Orthopaedics, Fellowship in Arthroplasty, Fellowship in Arthroscopy
- Trained at Medanta, Gurgaon and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
- Specialist in Joint replacement Surgery
- Modern operation theatre with laminar flow (infection control standard for joint surgery)
- Full orthopaedic and gynaecology facility under one roof
- Structured pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative protocols
- Dedicated physiotherapy support for rehabilitation
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Dr. Gaurav Sharma is one of the best Orthopedic Surgeon in Lucknow. He is well known to provide patient-focused care and excellence in treating all conditions of Knee, Shoulder & other Orthopaedic problems.
Our Specialities
Dr. Ruchi Garg
Dr. Ruchi Garg is a dedicated Senior Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Laparoscopy Surgeon with 23+ years of vast experience in clinical practice, surgeries & academics. She is well known for preferring & successfully conducting Normal Deliveries, even for her High-Risk Pregnancy Patients.