TEAR OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT OF THE KNEE

Arthroscopic Surgery

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the four most important ligaments that ensure stability in the knee joint and is usually the most injured ligament. The injury mechanism is especially triggered by the rotation of the knee. If the person's foot remains stationary on the ground while the body rotates on the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament is stretched and torn.

Patients express that they heard a "knocking" sound coming from their knees during the trauma.

Post-trauma in patients;

• Widespread pain in the knee and inability to continue the activity.

• Swelling according to the severity of the injury

• Losing the ability to run, difficulty in stopping and turning

• Feeling insecure, as well as a feeling of looseness in the knee.

The diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament tear begins with a detailed analysis of the event in which the injury occurred. This is followed by a careful examination. As a diagnostic tool, MRI may be requested to also display meniscus tears, side ligament tears, cartilage injuries and bone edema that may accompany the anterior cruciate ligament tear.

The anterior cruciate ligament is not a self-healing ligament when torn. Therefore, if left untreated, it can cause complex meniscus tears, permanent damage to cartilage tissues and degenerative knee diseases called arthrosis. If these damages occur, a heavier and more complicated surgery is required.

Surgery may not be performed on patients who are older and have no athletic expectations, who do not have a feeling of insecurity and emptiness in the knee and who can use his/her knee comfortably.

In individuals with an active lifestyle, in order to prevent the progression of the problem to degenerative diseases, the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injuries is surgical.

Even in a patient with a degenerative disease accompanied by an anterior cruciate ligament tear, arthroscopic surgical treatment method which can be applied without open surgery by experienced physicians, is a surgical method that could last an average of one hour. The commonly practiced method is the rebuilding and replacement of the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament with grafts.

The graft to be used is preferably harvested from the patient him/herself. Ligaments from cadavers or synthetic materials can also be used as grafts.

Postoperative;

• On the same day or a day later, with the help of double crutches, a team of physiotherapists and nurses will help you walk.

• Depending on the preference of the physician and the type of anesthesia used, the patient can be discharged within 1 to 2 days.

• Sometimes it is recommended to use simple knee braces for a short period of time.

• According to the severity of the accompanying injuries with anterior cruciate ligament tear, physical therapy is started within 1 to 3 weeks following the surgery. Physical therapy can last for an average of 2 to 4 months.

• Patients who complete the physical therapy-rehabilitation program are given in-house programs that they can practice themselves and called for routine controls.

• The return to competitive sports, with a professional physical therapy, can be expected after 4-6 months.

• Patients are allowed to travel by plane after 4 days.

• The necessary physical therapy programs of our foreign patients have been arranged and their travels are allowed within 1 week.

​An important part of the success in anterior cruciate ligament surgery is professional special rehabilitation programs to be applied after surgery. After a good surgery, if rehabilitation is not adequately practiced, the performance of the outcome can be seriously adversely affected.

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