ACL Treatments | ACL Surgery | Quantum ACL Clinic

Can an ACL Injury Heal on Its Own?

Some people may hope to wait for their ACL injury to heal on its own with sufficient rest, it is actually discouraged as the ACL has a limited capacity to self-repair due to its poor blood supply. Hence, medical attention and proper ACL treatment in Singapore are crucial.

Diagnosis

Our orthopaedic specialist will examine your knee, ask about your symptoms and activity history, and test the stability and range of motion in your knee.

The doctor may arrange for imaging tests, which may include an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, which offers detailed images of the knee’s soft tissues, including the ligaments and cartilage.

By piecing all the above together, the doctor will be able to arrive at an accurate diagnosis in terms of the type, severity and location of injury; and craft an appropriate treatment plan from there on.

ACL injuries can result in greater pain and mobility issues if left untreated.

Schedule a knee evaluation with our specialist at 8028 4572 or message us here.

ACL Tear Treatments

1 Conservative Treatments for Mild to Moderate ACL Injuries

Pain & Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can mitigate pain and swelling, providing symptomatic relief.
Brace or Knee Support: A brace or support restricts unnecessary movement, providing the ACL with the protection it needs while healing.
Activity Modification: Patients are advised to refrain from activities that exacerbate the injury, such as high-impact sports or heavy lifting.
Physiotherapy: A personalised exercise regime can strengthen the muscles around the knee, enhance flexibility, and improve range of motion.

Preparation of ACL graft

2 Surgical Treatments for Severe ACL Injuries

Surgical intervention is necessary when conservative treatments do not prove effective, or if the injury was serious to begin with. An ACL reconstruction surgery aims to restore the knee's function and minimise the risk of developing complications in the future.

Knee Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive ACL surgery involves making small incisions on the knee joint, through which an arthroscope and specialised surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon visualises the internal structure of the knee on a screen, performing precise movements in the repair of the ACL.
ACL Reconstruction: This procedure is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a torn or damaged ACL with a graft (usually from a tendon elsewhere in the body), to restore stability and function to the joint.
Ligament Stabilisation: Additional ACL stabilisation surgery may be performed to provide further stability to the knee joint. This may be done for patients who are more prone to an ACL re-injury following a standard ACL reconstruction.

3 Rehabilitation After Treatment

After an ACL injury surgery, you will likely need to wear a knee brace or crutches to restrict knee movement while your knee heals. The immobilisation period typically lasts 2 to 6 weeks post-surgery, depending on the extent of the repair or type of reconstruction performed.

Rehabilitation following an ACL knee surgery is also crucial for the healing process. You will work closely with a physiotherapist who will provide exercises that gradually restore your knee's range of motion, strength, and functionality.

Read Dr James Tan’s article here on more information on ACL tear treatments.

To find out more about ACL surgery in Singapore, make an appointment with our specialist at 8028 4572 or message us here.