How do we know we have to do ACL reconstruction for an ACL injury?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Henry Chan
Dr Henry Chan

Orthopaedic Surgeon

ACL doesn't heal by itself if clinically unstable. We can test the knee, do the same manoeuvre if the knee is moving like previously, suggest reconstruction surgery, because ligament don't heal itself even if you wait 5-10 years.

If you don't mind wearing knee guards, and can just stroll—you might not need surgery. However, patients must be compliant: if you forget to wear it will cause further damage. The problem is the ligament itself, once it stretches, on MRI we still can see one piece of tissue once it loses tension. If the knee is still moving or rocking, and some have a meniscus tear in the cartilage which means there’s damage, then I would advise surgery.

Similar Questions

Will surgery for torn ACL and meniscus damage still be effective if it happened many years ago?

Regarding whether your knee will be amenable to treatment some years after the initial injury, the answer is generally yes, but a repeat assessment will be required to determine what is necessary. For many patients with an ACL or meniscal injury, surgical intervention is not immediately required and rehabilitation can certainly help. If you are having ongoing swelling, instability or locking, or your work/sport is significantly impacted, then seeking help would be advisable. Hope this helps.

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Answered By

Dr Dinesh Sirisena

Sport Medicine

Could a burning sensation in my left knee and walking issues be caused by inflammation due to a new injury?

A quick blood test can be for gout, which comes and goes. Maybe there is an existing problem. Keep a journal on these kinds of pain, the timing when it happens, and what you are doing at that time, every time you do something to trigger the pain. If it keeps coming back then we can do a quick blood test.

Photo of Dr Henry Chan

Answered By

Dr Henry Chan

Orthopaedic Surgeon

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