What is the ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main ligaments that stabilise the knee. It is commonly injured during sudden stops, pivoting or awkward landings. The meniscus — the C-shaped cartilage cushions in the knee — may be torn in the same injury.
Symptoms
- A pop felt or heard at the time of injury
- Rapid swelling within hours
- Pain and difficulty putting weight on the leg
- A feeling that the knee gives way or is unstable
- Locking or catching, which can suggest a meniscus tear
First aid
- Stop playing immediately
- Rest the knee and avoid putting full weight on it
- Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth
- Keep the leg raised
- See an orthopaedic doctor for assessment
Diagnosis
The orthopaedic surgeon examines the knee for stability. An MRI scan shows ligaments and cartilage clearly. Smita Memorial Hospital has a Philips 1.5T MRI and digital X-ray in its Radiology department.
Treatment options
- Physiotherapy-led rehabilitation for some partial tears or less active people
- Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction — replacing the torn ligament with a graft through small keyhole incisions
- Meniscectomy or cartilage repair for meniscus and cartilage damage
Smita Memorial Hospital's Orthopaedics Department performs arthroscopic surgery for the knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle, ACL reconstruction, meniscectomy and cartilage repair, along with sports medicine and reconstructive procedures for athletic injuries.
Rehabilitation and return to sport
- Early physiotherapy to reduce swelling and restore movement
- Progressive strengthening of the thigh and hip muscles
- Balance and agility training
- Sport-specific training before returning to play
- Return to sport only after your surgeon and physiotherapist clear you
The Physiotherapy Department offers musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation, with a Balance Master for balance training, rehabilitation treadmill, recumbent cycle and Kinesis resistance training.
Other common sports injuries
- Meniscus tears — often from twisting; cause pain, swelling and locking
- Shoulder injuries — dislocation and rotator cuff problems; arthroscopic shoulder surgery and subacromial decompression may be needed
- Ankle sprains — ligament injuries that can become recurrent without proper rehab
- Muscle strains and tendon injuries
- Stress fractures from overuse
Smita Memorial Hospital's Orthopaedics Department offers arthroscopic surgery for the knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle, cartilage repair and reconstructive procedures for athletic injuries.
Preventing sports injuries
- Warm up before play and cool down afterwards
- Build strength in the thigh, hip and core muscles
- Practise correct landing and cutting techniques
- Wear suitable footwear for the surface
- Increase training load gradually
- Do not play through significant pain or swelling
Why rehabilitation is as important as surgery
A reconstructed ligament needs months to mature and integrate. Rushing back to sport before the knee has regained strength, balance and control increases the risk of re-injury. Structured rehabilitation restores range of movement, rebuilds muscle strength, trains balance and gradually reintroduces sport-specific movements. The Physiotherapy Department's equipment — including a Balance Master, rehabilitation treadmill and Kinesis resistance training — supports this progression.
Specialists you can consult
Frequently asked questions
Does every ACL tear need surgery?
Not always. It depends on your activity level, knee stability and associated injuries. Your orthopaedic surgeon will advise.
What is arthroscopy?
Keyhole surgery using a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions, usually meaning less pain and faster recovery than open surgery.
Is ACL reconstruction available in Idukki?
Yes. Smita Memorial Hospital's Orthopaedics Department performs arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.
How long before returning to sport?
Return to sport takes months of structured rehabilitation and should only happen after clearance by your surgeon and physiotherapist.
Sources
- Orthopaedics, smitahospital.com
- Physiotherapy, smitahospital.com
- Radiology, smitahospital.com
