Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
injury or rupture

THE CONDITION

The ACL is a 3-3.5cm band of fibrous tissue, it is one of the four main ligaments in the knee which work together to stabilise the knee and prevent excessive movement of the joint. Most commonly, the ACL is injured during sporting activity from pivoting or landing from a jump rather than from contact. A frequent example of this is during skiing when bindings fail to release resulting in the knee twisting. High impact trauma such as car accidents and falls from a height can also results in ACL tears. Females are at a higher risk of tears due to the generally smaller ligaments and increased laxity.

The most common symptoms when patients sustain an ACL injury is sudden knee pain and the knee giving way. This is followed by swelling. Whilst the swelling and pain will often improve, the instability will be persistent and the knee becomes unstable on any form of twisting movements, especially whilst running.

THE DIAGNOSIS

The history taking and examination that will take place during your consultation will help with diagnosis. Imaging will also be taken – x-rays and MRI scans help assess the knee in more detail and will help rule out other associated injuries. Special tests are also carried out in clinic as part of the physical examination to test the stability of the knee.

THE TREATMENT

Intensive physiotherapy is used to maximise knee strength and stability as well as to teaching you to avoid positions and movements that would worsen your symptoms. Sometimes, modifying lifestyle and choice of sports along with physiotherapy returns patients to their previous level of function and they are able to avoid surgery.

Surgery is indicated if you need an intact ACL in order to continue playing sports or if you have persistent instability. The damaged ACL is removed and a new one is reconstructed using grafts. The graft is typically taken from your own hamstring muscles.

PROGNOSIS

Most people return to their normal activities in 2 weeks but return to non-competitive sports takes 4-6 months and return to competitive sports takes 9-12 months.

Customer Reviews

I had a total knee replacement done and had the best care. Yes did experience a long wait to go to surgery but that’s expected in most hospitals. Was in for 3 days and couldn’t fault the care, nurses and cleanliness of the hospital. Lovely food. One nurse in particular always managed to make me smile

P Elliott

My care and treatment has been excellent. From my first consultation through to my surgery, I have been kept well informed and have had all the information I’ve needed to ensure the surgery went well and that I make a speedy recovery. I would highly recommend Mr Datta.

Mr. King

I had a total knee replacement done and had the best care. Yes did experience a long wait to go to surgery but that’s expected in most hospitals. Was in for 3 days and couldn’t fault the care, nurses and cleanliness of the hospital. Lovely food. One nurse in particular always managed to make me smile

P Elliott

I had a consultation with Dr Datta concerning a painful hip during which I was sent for an x-ray and results on the spot . Which concluded that it would be necessary to have a hip replacement operation and a date and time would be advised asap . I am extremely pleased with the service and communication received by Dr Datta and his team

David

I am so grateful to the wonderful Mr Datta top surgeon performing the op with keyhole minimally invasive surgery. Only a 10cm incision. Thank you so much for changing my life from 30 years of pain.

Tanya

I had a consultation with Dr Datta concerning a painful hip during which I was sent for an x-ray and results on the spot . Which concluded that it would be necessary to have a hip replacement operation and a date and time would be advised asap . I am extremely pleased with the service and communication received by Dr Datta and his team

David