Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Dr. Preetesh Shah has done more than 1500 ACL(Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstructions.

What is anterior cruciate ligament ?

It is the tissue- cord like structure connecting both bones of knee.

what is the importance of ACL?

it helps in maintaining stability of the joint hence the body especially during running and twisting.

How does ACL tear?

It usually tears when knee is suddenly rotated especially in cutting sports like soccer, tennis,cricket etc. In developing countries however motorcycle injury is the commonest cause for acl tear.

What are the symptoms of ACL tear?

Person usually feels that he will fall down sort of giving way. Sometimes buckling sensation felt.

What are the treatment options for ACL tear?

Patient can pull on with physiotherapy if there is grade 1-2 tear but at the cost of micro injury to cartilage. Most of the time acl tear requires operation.

What kind of operation usually done for acl tear?

Usually new ligament is made and fixed with endoscopy ( arthroscopy) guidance.

What is the source for new ligament?

Usually ligament is harvested from patient's own body. Most of the time hamstring tendon is harvested however in certain situations patellar tendon can be used.

How many days it takes for hospitalization?

Usually it requires one day hospitalization.

What is the duration for rehabilitation?

Usually it takes ten to twelve weeks for complete recovery, patient usually walks next day. Cutting sports requires six to twelve months to resume.