ACL Tears
Understanding
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL Tear)
ACL is one of the cruciate stabilizing crucial ligaments in the knee, connecting the femur with the tibia. It is essential for maintaining knee stability during activities that involve sudden stops, jumps, or directional changes.
An ACL tear occurs when this ligament is stretched beyond its limits, resulting in partial or complete tearing.
Anatomy
Causes of ACL Tears
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Football
- Skiing
- Lacrosse
- Sudden changes in direction.
- Direct impact
- Improper landing
- Weakness or imbalances
Types
Partial Tear:
Involves damage to some fibers of the ACL but does not completely sever the ligament.
Complete Tear:
The ligament is fully torn, resulting in significant instability in the knee.
When is the Treatment Recommended?
Candidates Eligible
- Experience knee instability or frequent giving way.
- Wish to return to sports or physical activities that require knee stability.
- Have persistent pain and limited mobility despite conservative treatment.
- People with underlying medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
- Patients experiencing recurrent bursitis despite conservative treatments.
ACL Tears Symptoms
- Swelling
- Feel of popping or snapping.
- Instability
- Pain
- Reduced range of motion.
If you experience these symptoms, you must consult a knee doctor Dubai for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis of ACL Tears
Tarabichi Joint Care – Orthopedic in Dubai, employs highly trained professionals who use a systematic and step-by-step process to diagnose ACL tears.
This involves initially performing a comprehensive physical examination on the patient. Following that, it involves a review of the patient’s history. In the event the procedures require other testing, such as MRI, to determine the level of injury.
Differentiating Between Partial and Complete ACL Tears
Our doctors conduct a series of physical exams and advise an MRI to distinguish between partial and total ACL tears. Some of the major exams used are:
Lachman Test: The doctor will try, gently, to pull the shin bone away from the thigh bone. If the ACL was partially torn but still somewhat intact, there is limited movement between the bones; a full motion indicates that it has been completely torn.
Pivot Shift Test: The patient lies on his back, and the knee is lifted by the doctor, who applies rotational pressure on the knee. If the bones do not shift, he concludes that the test is harmful, which means that the ACL is still intact.
Treatment Options for ACL Tears
Treatment for ACL tears will depend upon the severity of the injury, age, level of activity, as well as other health conditions. The patient may undergo:
Non-Surgical Treatments
In case of partial tears or less active people, the physician would prefer non-surgical treatments and that include:
1- Rest and Ice: Rest the knee and apply ice to reduce the swelling and pain.
2- Physical Therapy: A tailored rehabilitation program focusing on strength, flexibility, and stability can help restore function.
3- Bracing: A knee brace may provide additional support during the healing process.
Surgical Treatments
If conservative measures fail or for those with complete tears, surgical intervention may be necessary. Options include:
1- ACL Reconstruction Surgery Dubai: This is the most common surgical intervention for an ACL tear. The damage of the ligament is simply replaced with a graft, either autograft coming from another site within the same person or allograft from the donor. The aim of this procedure is to stabilize the knee, allowing the individual to safely resume their sports or daily activities.
2- Arthroscopy in Dubai: This is the minimum invasive surgery that can be conducted on an out-patient basis where surgeons can repair or reconstruct the ACL using small incisions and specific instruments.
3- Rehabilitation Post-Surgery: A structured rehabilitation program is critical for enhanced recovery after surgery. This usually involves physiotherapy for regaining strength, range of motion, and stability.
Choose Tarabichi Joint Care for ACL tears treatment in Dubai
Recognizing how ACL injuries affect lifestyle and athletic ability, Tarabichi Joint Care brings expert care with a team of knee specialists in Dubai. Beginning with diagnosis, we then proceed with the appropriate and necessary treatment and rehabilitation while considering unique needs for the highest standard of care.
If you suspect you have an ACL injury or are experiencing knee pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Schedule an appointment today with our board-certified specialists and take the first step toward recovery. For comprehensive solutions to sports injury Dubai, contact us now!
FAQ’S
ACL treatment may include conservative approaches like physical therapy and bracing, or surgical procedures such as ACL reconstruction, where a graft is used to replace the torn ligament.
Potential complications may include infection, blood clots, stiffness, or re-injury to the ACL. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before the procedure.
Patients should prepare the following documents:
- A referral from their primary care physician or orthopedic specialist.
- Previous medical records related to knee health.
- Imaging studies (such as MRI) to assess the ACL condition.
- A list of current medications and any allergies.