Had A Sports Injury. MRI Report Saying Tear Of Medial Meniscus And Complete Rupture Of The Proximate Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Need Surgery?

Dear AAAAA,

Thanks for posting your query.

As your Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suggests, you have two major issues. One is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear, which is an essential part of knee stability. And second is meniscal rupture, which acts as a cushion between bone surfaces.

ACL tear as you see is completely torn from its proximal end or femoral end. The torn threads have even retracted suggesting its old injury. I'm sure with such condition you must have noticed some instability while walking. For this you most definitely need an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.

For meniscus tear you need a removal of torn portion in the same sitting while reconstructing ACL. That's a relatively minor problem with a major disadvantage that you would end up having early arthritis.

With help of physical therapists you can get back to your sports. But getting that surgery done is must.

Hope this answers your question. If you need more help I'm available for follow up.
And if I have answered all your queries, please close this discussion.

Regards

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Hello once again.

You may extend the surgery till the swelling subsides, but you can not avoid it. Exercises can get you only so far. The fast walking and standing on affected leg are the exact instability I was talking about. Exercises have their limitations.

Recovery varies from person to person. It usually takes six to eight weeks to return to mild to moderate sports. Walking and routine activities can be resumed in two to three days post operative.

I'm afraid there is very little one can do to prevent early arthritis. And nothing that you already are not aware of, namely exercises and avoiding contact sports altogether. Use proper footware and avoid climbing staircase. Avoid sitting cross legged and do not use Indian lavatory. Anything that does not raise the pressure of the joint is helpful.

Good luck.

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Dear XXXXXXX,

Thanks again,

The said exercises are appropriate. They must be done in consultation with a physiotherapist.

You may extend the surgery as per your convenience. Just follow the precautions I wrote in my previous reply. And it should definitely include not getting hurt again.

The exercises done post operative are necessary to acclimatise the newly reconstructed ligament. Those are of no use before the procedure. They are started with in a week post surgery.

I wish you good luck for the procedure.

Hope this is helpful. If all your queries are answered please close this discussion. Yet, let me know if I have missed out any other concerns.

Regards

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