ACL Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Surgical Treatment

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries, commonly known as ACL injuries, typically occur as a result of sudden changes in direction. They happen when a person abruptly decelerates during jumping or running.

In some cases of ACL tears, surgical intervention may be necessary. These operations performed in Turkey are completed with a high success rate.

What Is the Cruciate Ligament?

Today, people of all ages engage in active sports. As a result, knee injuries are frequently observed.

There are 4 important ligaments in the knee joint. These are:

• Anterior Cruciate Ligaments,
• Posterior Cruciate Ligaments,
• Medial Collateral Ligaments,
• Lateral Collateral Ligaments,

These ligaments connect the femur to the tibia. Through this connecting function, the lower leg does not move or rotate abnormally separate from the thighbone. Currently, the most common ligament injuries occur in the anterior cruciate ligament.

How Is Cruciate Ligament Rupture Recognized?

Cruciate ligament rupture is usually an injury resulting from sudden movements made by athletes. The symptoms are as follows:

• Hearing a tearing sound in the knee while in motion and feeling the tear in the knee,
• Experiencing intense pain in and around the knee after the tear. Swelling in the knee may develop 24 hours after the injury occurs.
• If the anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, internal bleeding may occur. This bleeding can cause bruising, redness, and edema in the knee area.
• The person may have difficulty moving the knee.
• The person struggles to walk and moves with a limp.
• Numbness in the leg during walking.
• Some patients experience a sensation of the knee shifting out of place.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

ACL rupture is more commonly seen in footballers, basketball players, tennis players, or gymnasts. This is because their sports involve sudden movements and sudden stops.

During treatment of ACL rupture, doctors perform surgical intervention. The torn and damaged ligaments are removed, and ligaments obtained from another part of the knee or from cadavers are implanted. This procedure is performed while the person is awake.

This surgery is performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Some doctors wait for the swelling in the knee to subside and perform surgery after the swelling has decreased.

Several weeks before surgery, the patient begins physical therapy. The purpose here is to reduce pain and swelling in the patient's knee until the day of surgery. During this treatment, the muscles in the leg are also strengthened.

The surgery is performed while the person is awake. For this reason, after surgery, the patient can go home after final follow-up examinations. The person needs to continue living with the aid of crutches for a period of time.

Can Cruciate Ligament Ruptures Be Treated Without Surgery?

When a person sustains an anterior cruciate ligament injury:

• If the tear is partial and there is no sense of instability in the knee,
• If the person is giving up athletic activity,
• If the patient accepts minimizing physical activities and is a child whose growth plates are still open, non-surgical treatment may be requested.

However, this decision is made following the doctor's examination. If the injuries are severe, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Exercises After Cruciate Ligament Surgery

A person who has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury and undergone surgical intervention should begin an exercise program with the doctor's approval. These exercises are quite important for the knee to regain its former strength.

When the patient begins exercising, they must start slowly and minimally at first, and the exercise intensity should be gradually increased. The patient should remember that they have undergone surgery and should not overexert themselves, stopping the exercise if they experience any discomfort or pain.

These exercises should be performed when the doctor gives approval and when the swelling and pain following surgery begin to decrease.

Cruciate Ligament Healing Process

A person injured as a result of active sports undergoes surgical treatment. During or after this treatment, there are serious risks such as infection and bleeding. Post-operative stiffness and swelling of the knee, weakness in the healing of the transplanted ligaments, or insufficiency of the ligaments after the person returns to sports are also among the risks.

The knee should be examined at regular intervals after surgery. Within the 1-2 week period following surgery, both knees should have equal range of motion. The surgery and recovery process following ACL rupture takes approximately 9 months.

Athletes can return to active sports within 8 months to 1 year. In some cases, this return may take even longer.

Cruciate Ligament Surgery in Turkey

Many people living abroad choose Turkey for treatment in case of illness or injury. The most important reason for these preferences is that technological facilities in Turkey are at an advanced level.

In particular, the use of state-of-the-art equipment and treatment methods during surgery gives patients confidence. The serious approach of surgeons who are experts in their field further supports this confidence.

Good pre- and post-operative care and explanations are also among the reasons for preference. It is important for us that patients receive quality healthcare at reasonable prices. Price is one of the most frequently asked questions by patients. It is not appropriate to quote a price because factors such as the patient's condition and the tests, examinations, and treatment methods to be applied may vary.

For more detailed treatment plans and pricing information, you can contact us.