Torn anterior cruciate ligament, with Endoscopic treatment

Playing sports is a common exercise activity for many people, especially football, volleyball, basketball, and marathon at different stages. Wherein playing these sports is inevitably accompanied by serious injuries Like a torn anterior cruciate ligament Sometimes even the severe symptoms that have been injured are healed. Until many people do not think that it is dangerous, but the symptoms do not go away when returning to sports or aggressive play if not treated immediately.

What is the anterior cruciate ligament?

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a large tendon inside the knee. It is attached between the tip of the femur bone (Femur Bone) and the beginning of the tibia (Tibia Bone), the main function of this tendon Is to strengthen the knee joint and control the movement of the knee and shin. To allow movement in various angles and prevent us from extending the knee on the other way (Hyperextension) until damages the muscles of the thighs, back, and the knee surface.

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is considered a tendon that is very important to the knee. Because if this tendon is permanently injured or torn will severely weaken the knee joint As the patient walks, the knee will feel loose, pain in the knee, and can cause osteoarthritis.

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What is the cause of the cruciate ligament in the front of the knee?

Anterior cruciate ligament symptoms are often caused by high-impact sports and severe knee rotation. Causing the tendon to be injured or torn This often happens all the time with all types of sports. In particular, contact sports such as soccer players, volleyball players, basketball players, or other common movements and accidents such as, falling from the stairs and even tripping can cause the anterior cruciate ligament injury.

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What are the symptoms of an anterior cruciate ligament tear?

• I feel something bouncing inside the leg.
• The knee was inoperative at the time of the injury.
• Swollen, swollen knees immediately or within hours.
• In pain so severe that you are unable to perform other activities.

In some cases, after the knee ligament is torn, the pain, swelling, inflammation around the knee will gradually improve, most patients can walk on their own normally but when returning to sports, it will feel like your knee is unstable and puts you at risk of rupturing a herniated disc. As a result, the knee cannot bend, and the pain in the joint follows.

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Treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament tear

In general, patients with torn anterior cruciate ligament can still be able to walk normally but may cause knee dislocation in intensive activities requiring knee twisting, and more importantly, people with anterior cruciate ligament absence are a high-risk factor for knee discs and knee cartilage injuries. This will cause premature osteoarthritis, in which the treatment is divided into 2 types:

• Non-surgical treatment is suitable for the elderly who do not want to do activities that use a lot of knee movement and able to adjust their behavior to suit mild knee movements
• Surgical intervention is suitable for younger patients and wants to return to daily life and sports at a level close to that before the injury

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Endoscopic surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament tear

Treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament Can be done by endoscopic ligament reconstruction surgery (Arthroscopic Surgery) by harvesting tendons from other areas to replace the ruptured tendon. Generally, ligaments from the patella, knee, or surrounding ligaments are used. Endoscopic surgery has its advantages. Is to drill a small hole to insert the device and a camera to see the joints and display images on a computer screen, which allows the doctor to see the details. Patients will have fewer injuries after surgery. It takes a short recovery time. And have a lower chance of infection Which the patient will be able to return to normal daily life sooner.

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When will I be able to go back to sports after surgery?

In general, about 1 month after surgery, patients will use a cane and knee pads 3 months after surgery. Can walk fast and 6-9 months after surgery. The doctor will provide physical therapy suitable for each sport and approximately 1 year after surgery, the patient will be able to return to sports. However, it will depend on the suitability of each patient as well.

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The patient with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. Needing to be treated with surgery. In conjunction with physical therapy for at least 6 months in which the anterior cruciate ligament is absent. If treatment is not urged, it can result in premature knee degeneration.

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