Knee - Arthroscopy and Sport Injury Specialist in Mumbai

ACL Tear & Reconstruction

Dr. Aditya Pawaskar is one of top notch knee arthroscopy surgeon and Sport Injury Specialist in Mumbai. With his extensive experience in orthopedics, he provides excellent care and effective treatments for patients with shoulder and knee problems.

An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is a common knee injury, particularly among athletes and individuals who engage in activities involving sudden stops, changes in direction, or jumping. The ACL is a vital ligament that helps stabilize the knee joint and prevents excessive forward movement of the shinbone (tibia) relative to the thighbone (femur).

Causes and Mechanism of ACL Tears:

ACL tears often result from:

• Non-Contact Injuries: Sudden deceleration, pivoting, or rapid changes in direction can cause the ACL to tear without direct impact.
• Contact Injuries: Collisions, tackles, or direct blows to the knee can lead to ACL tears.
• Landing Incorrectly: Landing from a jump with improper technique can put excess stress on the ACL.

Symptoms:

• Pain: Immediate pain at the time of injury, often accompanied by a popping sensation.
• Swelling: Swelling of the knee joint within hours of the injury due to bleeding into the joint.
• Instability: Feeling of the knee "giving way" or being unstable, especially during activities requiring cutting or pivoting movements.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery:

• Indications: ACL reconstruction is recommended for individuals with significant ACL tears, particularly those who want to return to high-demand sports or activities.
• Procedure: ACL reconstruction involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft. Common graft sources include the patellar tendon, hamstring tendons, or donor tissue (allograft).
• Surgical Techniques: The surgeon uses arthroscopic techniques, making small incisions around the knee joint. The graft is positioned in place of the torn ACL and secured using screws or other fixation devices.

Sports Prone to ACL Tear & Reconstruction and Injury Risks:

• Football (Soccer): The dynamic nature of football, with sudden stops, changes in direction, and physical contact, increases the risk of ACL tears.
• Cricket: The stop-and-start movements, especially by fast bowlers and fielders, may contribute to ACL injuries.
• Basketball:Jumping, pivoting, and abrupt directional changes in basketball elevate the risk of ACL tears.
• Field Hockey: Quick turns, sudden stops, and physical play in field hockey can lead to ACL injuries.
• Badminton: While generally low-impact, the lateral movements and sudden accelerations in badminton may pose a risk of ACL tears.
• Kabaddi: The physicality of Kabaddi, with frequent tackles and rapid directional changes, may result in ACL injuries.
• Wrestling: Wrestling, with its intense physical contact and rapid movements, can contribute to ACL tears.
• Volleyball: Jumping and landing, especially during spikes and blocks, may increase the risk of ACL injuries in volleyball.
• Athletics (Track and Field): Certain track and field events, such as sprinting and jumping, can contribute to meniscus injuries.
• Weightlifting: Certain track and field events, such as hurdles and long jumps, may pose a risk of ACL tears.
• Rugby: The physical nature and frequent tackles in rugby increase the likelihood of ACL injuries.

Consult with Dr. Aditya Pawaskar, a Sports Medicine Specialist in Mumbai, to determine the most appropriate treatment for Knee injuries based on individual cases and the latest medical advancements.