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, usually performed as ACL reconstruction, is an orthopedic procedure used to restore knee stability after a significant anterior cruciate ligament injury when surgery is appropriate.
At Orygyn Clinic, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Dr. Gaurav Sharma provides orthopedic evaluation and treatment for knee ligament injuries, including arthroscopic procedures. His published profile documents arthroscopy training and lists knee arthroscopic surgery among his areas of specialization.
An ACL tear does not automatically mean that surgery is required. The treatment decision depends on the type and extent of the injury, knee stability, associated injuries, activity requirements, previous treatment, general health, and the patient’s goals.
ACL Surgery in Lucknow
ACL surgery, usually performed as ACL reconstruction, is an orthopedic procedure used to restore knee stability after a significant anterior cruciate ligament injury when surgery is appropriate.
At Orygyn Clinic, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Dr. Gaurav Sharma provides orthopedic evaluation and treatment for knee ligament injuries, including arthroscopic procedures. His published profile documents arthroscopy training and lists knee arthroscopic surgery among his areas of specialization.
An ACL tear does not automatically mean that surgery is required. The treatment decision depends on the type and extent of the injury, knee stability, associated injuries, activity requirements, previous treatment, general health, and the patient’s goals.
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 Should You See a Doctor Urgently?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Inability to bear weight
- Rapid swelling after injury
- Suspected fracture
- Suspected knee dislocation
- Severe instability
- A locked knee
- Severe pain preventing walking
- Open wounds around the knee
- Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
- Significant deformity following trauma
How Is an ACL Injury Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis helps determine the severity of the injury and the most appropriate treatment:
Clinical Examination
- Knee range of motion
- Lachman test
- Anterior drawer test
- Pivot-shift assessment when appropriate
- Assessment of other knee ligaments
- Meniscus examination
- Walking pattern
- Muscle strength
- Swelling assessment
- Functional stability
Imaging & Investigations
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- CT scan in selected situations
- Pre-operative blood investigations
- Medical fitness assessment before surgery
Treatment Options Before ACL Surgery
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, activity level, and patient goals:
1) Activity Modification
- Avoiding pivoting sports
- Reducing high-impact activity
- Modifying work activities
- Using controlled exercise instead of unstable movements
2) Medicines and Symptom Management
- Pain-relieving medicines
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Ice and swelling-control measures
3) Physiotherapy
- 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) Bracing
A knee brace may be considered for selected patients, particularly during certain activities or rehabilitation stages.
Recovery Expectations
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury, surgical procedure, and rehabilitation programme:
Early Recovery
Patients commonly begin rehabilitation soon after surgery under the prescribed protocol.
Return to Running and Sports
Running and sport-specific activity are introduced only when appropriate strength, movement, stability, and healing milestones have been achieved.
Long-Term Recovery
The goal of rehabilitation is not simply to make the knee feel better. It is to restore appropriate movement, strength, stability, and confidence for the patient’s required activities.
Risks and Limitations of ACL Reconstruction
Possible Risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Knee stiffness
- Persistent pain
- Graft failure
- Recurrent instability
- Nerve or blood-vessel injury
- Anaesthetic complications
- Additional surgery
Important Limitations
- Associated knee injuries
- Muscle weakness
- Persistent stiffness
- Graft healing
- Rehabilitation adherence
- Previous knee injuries
- Return to high-risk activities
- Individual biological healing
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
Fracture Treatment
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.
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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.