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Best Doctors For acl-tear
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    Dr Deepak Kumar Das (7GhFwYGWni)

    Dr Deepak Kumar Das

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    Dr Rahul Grover

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  • About an ACL Tear?
    Causes and Symptoms
    Diagnosis
    Severity
    Risks & Complications
    Myths and Facts
    Consult With Doctor
    Treatment Options & Cost
    Insurance Coverage
    Facts and Statistics
    ACL Tear Surgery

    The ACL or anterior cruciate ligament prevents the shinbone from slipping over, or in front of the thigh bone, and gives stability to the knee joint, which makes it one of the most important ligaments in the knee. Injuries in the anterior cruciate ligament are common during athletics, especially in sports that involve movements like leg pivoting, cutting, and planting, and ones that may result in an impact on the knee. This makes players of basketball, soccer, football, skiing, etc quite vulnerable to ACL injury.

    A partial or total rupture in the anterior cruciate ligament is known as an ACL tear. The tear can range from mild to severe and can be caused by both contact and non-contact injuries. It is common for athletes and sportsmen to suffer a tear in the ACL because of extreme movements or injuries, However, women are more vulnerable to this injury as compared to men. ACL tears can’t heal by themselves and require special medical attention. The need for specific medical treatments becomes more acute if the injury is severe.

    Causes and Symptoms of an ACL Tear

    Causes of An ACL Tear:

    • Landing from a jump poorly
    • Pivoting the leg
    • Leg planting and cutting
    • Suddenly slowing down while running
    • Suddenly stopping while running
    • Rotating the leg too much too quickly

    Symptoms of An ACL Tear:

    • A popping sound in the knee
    • Extreme pain
    • Immobility of the affected knee and leg
    • The inability of the knee to sustain weight
    • Inflammation and swelling in the first 24 hours.

    Diagnosis of an ACL Tear

    It is suggested that one gets immediate medical help as soon as a tear in the ACL is suspected as the severity and treatment of the injury depend entirely upon its type. A doctor will examine the knee and look for signs of tenderness, inflammation, and swelling. The range of motion and strength of the knee will be examined with the help of passive motion tests.

    Physical tests will help the doctor determine if the injury is indeed an ACL tear and the extent of the injury. For this purpose, the Lachman’s Sign test is most commonly preferred. The test is performed as follows.

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    Severity of an ACL Tear

    Grade 1:

    The ligaments suffer light damage because of being stretched too much.

    Grade 2:

    The ligament becomes loose because of a severe stretch, or a heavy impact. Grade 2 injuries are considered to be partial ACL tears.

    Grade 3:

    It is referred to as a total or complete ACL tear. The ligament is split into two pieces and the knee joint becomes unstable and immobile.

    Risks & Complications of an ACL Tear

    Risk factors:

    Anyone can injure their anterior cruciate ligament, but there are a few factors that put some people at a higher risk of such injuries. Such factors may include:

    • Gender: The rate of ACL injuries is higher in female athletes than in males by three times. While the exact cause of this can’t be pointed out, differences in the physical buildup, control, and strength of the muscles, may be responsible.
    • Types of sports: ACL tears are common in sports that include rotation, pivoting, and planting of the leg, or ones that may result in collisions or impacts. Such sports may include football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, tennis, etc.
    • Age: While ACL tears can happen at any age, people between the ages of 15 to 45 are most vulnerable to it because of their likelihood to participate in competitive sports.
    • History of injuries: The risk of an ACL tear increases by 15% if one has suffered a tear in the past. Studies reveal that ACLs are most prone to a tear in the first year after an initial injury.

    What happens if ACL tears are not treated?

    A torn anterior cruciate ligament doesn’t heal on its own, and the symptoms will only worsen if the treatment is delayed or avoided. The consequences of leaving an ACL injury untreated can be dire and may include the following situations.

    • Instability of the knee: An untreated ACL becomes highly unstable and is unable to sustain any body weight. As the anterior cruciate ligament is responsible for providing stability to the knee, an injury to it results in buckling out, clicking, or catching of the joint and prohibits one from performing simple tasks like walking.
    • Pain: Excruciating pain is one of the earliest symptoms of ACL tears. Leaving the condition untreated will make this symptom only worse. Over time, small meniscus tears in the knee enlarge, and the pain caused by such advancements renders the knee immobile in some cases.
    • Disability: Injuries like ACL tears become total ruptures with time if not treated properly and in time. If the condition keeps worsening over time, the joint loses its ability to bend or straighten, leaving the patient unable to walk or stand normally.
    • Arthritis: An untreated ACL makes the knee weak and is extremely painful. This doesn’t allow one to move the joint normally, which in turn forces other tendons, tissues, and bones to compensate. Such change in biomechanics causes wear and tear of the cartilage of the knee and can put the patient at risk of osteoarthritis.

    Risks and complications of ACL Reconstruction Surgery:

    As with all major surgeries, ACL Reconstruction surgery is associated with some risks and complications of its own. Some general risks that may be associated with any major surgery include excessive bleeding, blood clotting, infections, allergic reactions to anesthesia, postoperative complications, etc.

    Some complications which are specifically associated with ACL Reconstruction surgery are listed as follows.

    • Numbness in the foot or leg
    • Weakness in the foot or leg
    • Reduced range of motion
    • Chronic pain and inflammation in the kneecap
    • Swelling and stiffness in the affected knee
    • Instability in the affected knee
    • Nerve, muscle, or blood vessel damage
    • The inability of the graft to heal
    • Growth plate injuries
    • Hepatitis infection or HIV in case of use of allograft

    ACL Reconstruction surgery is the gold standard for repairing torn ACLs and has a success rate of over 80 percent. However, it is always better to discuss all the potential risks with your doctor before making a decision.

    Myths and Facts About ACL Tears and Injuries

    Myth: ACL tears are caused in sports by blunt force trauma only.

    Fact: ACL tears can happen to anyone at any given point in life, but is more common in accidents or sports.

    Myth: The knee has to be cut open for ACL reconstruction surgery.

    Fact: Traditional open surgeries involve cutting the knee open for surgeries, but advanced arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery involves very small incisions.

    Myth: ACL reconstruction surgery leaves huge scars on the knee.

    Fact: ACL reconstruction surgeries are performed with minimally invasive techniques that involve small incisions. Because of this, no major scars are caused on the knee.

    Myth: You will have to quit sports after an ACL tear.

    Fact: After fully recovering from an ACL reconstruction surgery, you will be able to resume sports in due time with the help of physiotherapy and exercise.

    Myth: Men suffer ACL injuries more frequently than women,

    Fact: Studies show that women are three to four times more likely to suffer an ACL tear.

    When to Consult an Orthopedic Doctor for ACL Tear?

    • Instability of the knee joint
    • Swelling and/or pain in the knee
    • A “pop” in the knee joint at the time of the injury
    • Inability to bear weight on the leg

    Treatment Options & Cost of an ACL Tear

    Treatment of ACL tears and injuries:

    Immediately after an injury to the knee, one should follow the RICE method to manage the symptoms. The RICE method consists of:

    • Rest: Activities like walking, running, or standing should be avoided until the symptoms are relieved.
    • Ice: Using ice packs on the affected area is suggested to help reduce the pain and swelling. This can be done throughout the day for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
    • Compression: Inflammation and swelling can be controlled by using a tight, elastic bandage to compress the affected knee.
    • Elevation: Keeping the knee elevated above the waist can help manage the swelling in the knee.

    If the ACL tear is not severe and is categorized as a Grade 1 injury by your doctor, it can be treated non-surgically. Nonsurgical treatment for ACL tears may include:

    • Wearing a knee brace for stability and support to the knee
    • Undergoing physiotherapy to restore the range of motion of the knee.
    • Taking prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain

    Mild injuries and stretches in the ACL can be treated nonsurgically, but a more severe injury cannot be managed by such methods. A grade 2 or 3 ACL injury requires surgical treatment for reconstruction of the torn ligament. The most popular surgery for doing so is the minimally invasive ACL reconstruction surgery.

    Surgical treatment for ACL tears: ACL Reconstruction surgery:

    The minimally invasive ACL Reconstruction surgery is done with surgical arthroscopy and takes less time than traditional open surgery. In such techniques, smaller incisions are made to minimize trauma at the site of surgery.

    The anterior cruciate ligament can’t heal itself, and it can’t be stitched up either if torn. Because of this, to repair a torn ACL, a tissue graft is taken to reconstruct the ligament. The tissue graft can be obtained from:

    • the patient’s hamstring tendon, at the back of the thigh
    • the patient’s quadriceps tendon, between the kneecap and the thigh
    • the patient’s patellar tendon, between the shinbone and kneecap.

    In some cases, an allograft tissue transplant can also be done. All grafts have their own merits and can be used as a scaffold for the new ligament to grow.

    What happens during an ACL Reconstruction surgery:

    During a minimally invasive ACL reconstruction surgery, 2 or 3 small incisions are made at the side of the knee. An arthroscope, a device with a camera at its end, is inserted through one of the incisions, and a clear image of the inside of the knee is seen on a screen.

    Through another incision, surgical tools are inserted to repair the ligament and to remove damaged parts. After the process is completed, the knee joint is washed out with a sterile solution, and the incisions are stitched up.

    What to expect after an ACL reconstruction surgery?

    You will be taken to the recovery room after the surgery to recover from the anesthesia. There, you will remain under observation and your vitals will be closely monitored by your nurse and doctors. It is normal to have some pain and discomfort at the site of surgery. If needed, you can ask your doctor or nurse for painkillers. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours of an ACL Reconstruction. However, in some cases, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days.

    Before your discharge, your doctor will prescribe some antibiotics and painkillers and will suggest an exercise and physiotherapy plan for optimum recovery.

    Cost of ACL Reconstruction Surgery in India:

    An ACL Reconstruction surgery can cost between INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,50,000, including the cost of hospitalization and post-operative care. The cost of the surgery depends mainly on factors like the general fees of the hospital where the surgery is to be performed, the fees of the surgeons, type of anesthesia used, underlying conditions like liver, lung, or heart diseases, etc.

    Insurance Coverage of ACL Reconstruction Surgery

    ACL Reconstruction surgery is recommended to patients when nonsurgical treatment methods have not been effective, and no other alternative is feasible. Most insurance companies cover the cost of an ACL reconstruction surgery to repair a partial or complete tear in the anterior cruciate ligament.

    However, the exact details of insurance coverage depend upon the insurance policy of the individual. We accept most major health insurance plans including Star Health Insurance, New India Health Insurance, Bajaj Allianz, Religare, ICICI Lombard, etc and also provide No-cost EMI Options to patients who need assistance with finances for surgery.

    Facts and Statistics Around ACL Tear

    Statistical Data about ACL injuries and its surgery

    India

    • A study conducted in 2016 in Northern India showed that soccer was found to be the most common sport associated with knee injuries accounting for 30.6% of the injuries followed by kabaddi (20.9%). The most common mechanism was non-contact injury (64.4%).

    In rural areas of India, ACL injury has an annual incidence of more than 200,000 cases with 100,000 of these knees reconstructed annually. An estimated 70% of ACL injuries are sustained through noncontact mechanisms, while the remaining 30% result from direct contact
    Source- <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4949405/>

    • A study conducted on Indian athletes participating in 24 different sports modalities from 9 major states of northern India showed that the most common injury noted was the ACL tear accounting for 86.5% of the injuries.

    Source- <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6924237/>

    Global

    • ACL reconstructions are among the most common sports medicine procedures performed in the United States, numbering about 100,000 each year.

    Source- <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3037119/>

    • In the United States, approximately 200,000 ACL ruptures occur annually.
    • ACL reconstruction is an effective surgery with 75% to 90% of patients reporting good or excellent outcomes. Yet, a significant number of patients (10% to 15%) will require a revision.

    Source- <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4628627/>

    • A  landmark study reported that women were more likely than men to sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in sex-comparable collegiate sports.
    • Despite intensive research efforts to address ACL injuries among high-risk females, the incidence of ACL reconstruction among 13- through 17-year-old females has continued to increase. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rates for 13- through 17-year-old males are also rising.

    Source- <https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2631764>

    • The incidence of ACL reconstructions in Australia is the highest in the world and is increasing. At greatest risk are men aged 20–24 years and women aged 15–19 years.

    Source-<https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2018/208/8/increasing-rates-anterior-cruciate-ligament-reconstruction-young-australians>

    • Waiting more than 12 months between ACL injury and reconstruction surgery is a risk factor for a tear of the medial meniscus.

    Why Choose Pristyn Care for your ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

    • Our team of best knee surgeons is exceedingly skilled and experienced in treating knee conditions and injuries including arthritis, injuries, ACL tears, meniscus tears, fractures, and other conditions.
    • Our surgeons perform MIS ACL Reconstruction which involves smaller incisions and minimal postoperative downtime. The patient can walk the same day after minimally invasive ACL tear surgery and can return to a normal lifestyle within a few days.
    • We are associated with some of the top-ranked, reputed, and best hospitals and have several clinics located in several convenient locations across India.
    • From your first consultation to your last post-surgery consultation, our orthopedic surgeons and medical team will be there for you, providing excellent treatment and care.
    • Complete assistance for hassle-free insurance approval and No-Cost EMI option.
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    FAQs Around ACL Tear

    What is the goal of ACL reconstruction?

    Irrespective of the reason you undergo ACL surgery, the goal will remain the same- to restore normal function, stability and movement to the injured knee. ACL reconstruction surgery is typically recommended in the following cases-

    • Complete ACL tear
    • Other parts of the knee or the surrounding parts such as PCL or meniscus are also injured at the same time
    • Knee instability or stiffness
    • Unsuccessful physiotherapy program to repair the torn ACL
    • Restricted lifestyle and reduced mobility due to swelling or knee pain
    • Chronic ACL deficiency due to untreated ACL tear or injury

    If you are suggested ACL reconstruction, you should not delay the surgery as an untreated ACL injury or tear can lead to more potential risks and further injuries. Speak to our expert orthopedic surgeons and get the best advice on the best ACL tear treatment for your case.

    When can I return to work after ACL surgery ?

    If your job involves a regular office setting, you might be able to return to your work within 7-10 days. However, if your job requires a lot of walking, use of heavy machinery, or heavy manual labor, you might be advised to a bit later.

    What is the success rate after ACL reconstruction surgery?

    ACL reconstruction has a 90% success rate in terms of stability of the knee joint, patient satisfaction, range of motion, mobility, and return to full activity.

    Are minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries safe?

    Minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries are relatively safer, as compared to traditional surgeries as they involve smaller surgical incisions and involve less blood loss, risk of infections, or post-operative pain and scar. But even with minimally invasive surgery, there are risks of complications with anesthesia, bleeding, and infection.

    When can I walk after ACL reconstruction?

    Most patients are able to walk without assistance within 2 weeks. However, the ability to walk after ACL reconstruction depends on many factors such as the severity of the injury and the type of surgery performed.

    What are some common knee conditions and injuries that result in knee pain?

    Common conditions and injuries of the knee that can cause knee pain include-

    • Anterior cruciate ligament injuries or ACL injuries
    • Cartilage injuries
    • Dislocations
    • Sprains or strains
    • Fractures
    • Ligament and tendon injuries
    • Meniscus injuries
    • Arthritis
    • Bursitis
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Tendonitis (medically referred to as tendinitis)

    If you have sustained a knee injury and have pain, stiffness, and swelling, it is advised to visit a knee joint specialist doctor the soon as possible.

    What tests are needed for the diagnosis of ACL tear?

    The doctor may ask you to take a few more tests such as an X-ray and MRI. You can now consult the most trusted orthopedic doctors for ACL tears at Pristyn Care.

    What factors can affect the ACL Reconstruction surgery cost?

    The average cost of ACL reconstruction surgery in India can range from INR 1,40,000  to INR 2,20,000 which includes the costs of hospitalization and postoperative management. However, the cost of arthroscopic knee surgery may vary, depending on facts such as

    • If the surgery is performed for one or both knees
    • General costs of the hospital chosen for the procedure
    • The general fee of the surgeon
    • The city where you need to undergo the procedure
    • Type of anesthesia administered
    • Comorbidities such as diabetes, liver or lung disease, etc
    • Your medical history
    • The underlying condition or disease for which surgery is chosen

    To know more about the cost or procedure of ACL reconstruction surgery, give us a call at 9311583423.

    When do I start physiotherapy after ACL surgery ?

    Physiotherapy typically begins 2 to 3 days after ACL surgery.

    How does an ACL injury feel?

    When you have an ACL injury, you may hear a loud “pop” sound and feel your knee buckle. Within a few hours after an ACL injury, the injured knee may swell up due to bleeding from vessels in the torn ligament. If you think you have an ACL injury and want to meet the best ACL tear doctor, give us a call.

    What is the risk of not undergoing an ACL surgery?

    Patients who do not undergo ACL reconstruction surgery are likely to experience further injury to the knee joint, particularly to the meniscus. ACL-deficient patients are also at higher risk for later meniscectomy and over 70% of ACL-deficient patients later experience signs of knee osteoarthritis.

    When can I return to sports after an ACL repair surgery?

    How soon you can return to sports will depend on many factors including the type of graft used, the surgical technique used (knee arthroscopy or open surgery), the specific sport you want to play, and your progress during the recovery period.  Typically, the time frame to return to sports can range from 6 to 8 months.

    Can I ride a bike with a torn ACL?

    After diagnosis, an orthopedic doctor can provide the best answer for this. In the case of a severe ACL tear, the doctor would suggest you to completely avoid strenuous activities that may cause knee pain. Consult the best orthopedic doctors for an ACL tear at Pristyn Care.