Welcome to the Online Physio Forum.
Results 1 to 25 of 39

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Forum Founder Array
    Join Date
    Sep 2000
    Country
    Flag of Australia
    Current Location
    London, UK
    Member Type
    Physiotherapist
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    2,674
    Thanks given to others
    72
    Thanked 114 Times in 54 Posts
    Rep Power
    346

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    I tend to agree with the above comments. The ACL does NOT provide any direct structural support to the knee joint. What it does is send information about load and angular velocities to the brain so that the brain can then send messages to the muscles to support the knee during activity. A reconstruction tries to create a structural stability to the knee because this feedback is not working anymore without an intact ACL.

    So overall a partial, still functioning ACL is a better option than having it removed even if it were replaced with a graft as the graft cannot replace the actual function of the ACL.

    Aussie trained Physiotherapist living and working in London, UK.
    Chartered Physiotherapist & Member of the CSP
    Member of Physio First (Chartered Physio's in Private Practice)
    Member Australian Physiotherapy Association
    Founder Physiobase.com 1996 | PhysioBob.com | This Forum | The PhysioLive Network | Physiosure |
    __________________________________________________ _____________________________

    My goal has always to be to get the global physiotherapy community talking & exchanging ideas on an open platform
    Importantly to help clients to be empowered and seek a proactive & preventative approach to health
    To actively seek to develop a sustainable alternative to the evils of Private Medical Care / Insurance

    Follow Me on Twitter

  2. #2
    Forum Member Array
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Country
    Flag of United Kingdom
    Current Location
    EU
    Member Type
    Physiotherapist
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    426
    Thanks given to others
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
    Rep Power
    79

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    I agree, no surgery if it was me

    The ACL (anterior Wikipedia reference-linkcruciate ligament) is one of two "hidden" knee ligaments that attach the thigh (femur) to the lower leg (tibia) by "crossing" each other at the knee joint, hence the term "cruciates".

    As the name suggests, the ACL attaches from anterior surface of the tibia, blends with the anterior horn of the lateral Wikipedia reference-linkmeniscus and travels backwards to attach to the posterior part of the medial surface of the femoral condyle (thigh bone). The PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) crosses the knee joint the opposite way and works with the ACL to hold the knee together when the joint is under load or tension. Injury to the ACL is much more common.

    At an American Osteopaedic Sports Medicine Society meeting, Dr Bernard Bach presented an insightful discussion on the indications and contradictions for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery. He concluded with the old adage emphasized by Dr Jack Hughston years ago, "nothing is so bad that it can't be made worse by surgery". Implying that not all patients with ACL tears require surgery.

    The ACL provides 86% of stability in anterior displacement and 30% to any medial displacement. However, rupturing the PCL is worse, as it provides 96% of stability to any posterior movement and 36% to lateral stress. As you have probably found, closed chain movements such as the squat and leg presses are fine. It's not until you attempt to perform some form of dynamic action that involves movement in all three dimensions that you have trouble. This is why many doctors and surgeons adopt a "wait and see" approach on ACLs before recommending surgery. Unless the patient regularly performs dynamic, open chain movements they see no need to operate.

    With the correct rehabilitation strategies the hamstring muscles learn peripheral compensation and provide a great deal of anterior shift stability.

    Seek out a local physio before you contemplate going under the 'knife'


  3. #3
    Forum Member Array
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Country
    Flag of United Kingdom
    Current Location
    Somewhere in cyberspace
    Member Type
    General Public
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    7
    Thanks given to others
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Rep Power
    0

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    Quote Originally Posted by physiobob View Post
    I tend to agree with the above comments. The ACL does NOT provide any direct structural support to the knee joint. What it does is send information about load and angular velocities to the brain so that the brain can then send messages to the muscles to support the knee during activity. A reconstruction tries to create a structural stability to the knee because this feedback is not working anymore without an intact ACL.

    So overall a partial, still functioning ACL is a better option than having it removed even if it were replaced with a graft as the graft cannot replace the actual function of the ACL.
    The partial ACL cannot heal proeprly right? but can it still send signals back?

    I have felt a difference and slight instability in my knee (i.e no cofidence to play football/soccer) so that must mean the partial tear is fairly significant - the Dr wouldn;t say how much though.

    Any info on arthritis on surgery v no nsurgery scenario? i am thinking long term effects here. should i give up footy?


  4. #4
    physiofixme
    Guest

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    Your success is going to depend on the type of exercises you get given. you need a programme that is going to incorporate leg strength with core strength. Your Quads are probably the focus but you should also be looking at strengthening your butt, hamstrings and core stabilising muscles. Basically this means you need to seek out a good sports physio!! Your rehab programme should also involve some sport specific drills later on before you return to football. Things like running, kicking changing direction etc. This all helps retrain your muscles to send the right signals back to your brain, and to get your muscles co-ordinating properly.

    There is some evidence that a damaged ACL can cause extra load to be placed on your cartilage and therefore increase the liklihood of arthritis??? I don't think this is proven however. If your rehab isn't working/helping then you can rethink the surgery option.Do you want to be injury free? Physiofixme


  5. #5
    Forum Member Array
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Country
    Flag of United Kingdom
    Current Location
    Somewhere in cyberspace
    Member Type
    General Public
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    7
    Thanks given to others
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Rep Power
    0

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    Hi
    Thanks for the reply

    The Dr mentioned regaining 'control' of my leg - any info on this? this is probably the major annoyance i have as my leg/knee doesnt seem to go back ot the normal range of motion all the time - i.e when i am walking

    I have been recommended to a physio at an NHS hospital - i'll assume theyre pretty good!


  6. #6
    Forum Founder Array
    Join Date
    Sep 2000
    Country
    Flag of Australia
    Current Location
    London, UK
    Member Type
    Physiotherapist
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    2,674
    Thanks given to others
    72
    Thanked 114 Times in 54 Posts
    Rep Power
    346

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    Quote Originally Posted by mouk786 View Post
    The partial ACL cannot heal properly right? but can it still send signals back?

    I have felt a difference and slight instability in my knee (i.e no confidence to play football/soccer) so that must mean the partial tear is fairly significant - the Dr wouldn't say how much though.

    Any info on arthritis on surgery v no surgery scenario? i am thinking long term effects here. should i give up footy?
    Hard to say what fibers are torn and therefore how much that relates to the signals going to the brain. The feeling of laxity often increases with time but in terms of the early onset of arthritis that is more related to intact menisci (knee cartilages). Surgery is likely to involve trimming or removing some of that which if possible is best avoided as we are making steady progress in the medical fields or tissue replacement, growth, repair etc so the longer the joint surfaces are protected the better.

    As for "footy", this is something hard to play without an intact ACL due to the pivoting and side to side movements. If the knee is unstable and you continue to play chances are you will progress to a full tear and the likelihood of injuring the menisci at the same time.

    Aussie trained Physiotherapist living and working in London, UK.
    Chartered Physiotherapist & Member of the CSP
    Member of Physio First (Chartered Physio's in Private Practice)
    Member Australian Physiotherapy Association
    Founder Physiobase.com 1996 | PhysioBob.com | This Forum | The PhysioLive Network | Physiosure |
    __________________________________________________ _____________________________

    My goal has always to be to get the global physiotherapy community talking & exchanging ideas on an open platform
    Importantly to help clients to be empowered and seek a proactive & preventative approach to health
    To actively seek to develop a sustainable alternative to the evils of Private Medical Care / Insurance

    Follow Me on Twitter

  7. #7
    Forum Member Array
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Country
    Flag of United Kingdom
    Current Location
    Somewhere in cyberspace
    Member Type
    General Public
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    7
    Thanks given to others
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Rep Power
    0

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    I suppose the essential questions are can I :

    a) go back to a near normal knee without surgery but with physio
    b) can i get back to some sort of level of playing football without surgery

    The Dr/specialist at the hospital seemed confident and kept say that I don't need surgery to get back to what I want.

    Last edited by physiobob; 27-12-2007 at 01:15 PM.

  8. #8
    Forum Founder Array
    Join Date
    Sep 2000
    Country
    Flag of Australia
    Current Location
    London, UK
    Member Type
    Physiotherapist
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    2,674
    Thanks given to others
    72
    Thanked 114 Times in 54 Posts
    Rep Power
    346

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    Quote Originally Posted by mouk786 View Post
    I suppose the essential questions are can I :

    a) go back to a near normal knee without surgery but with physio
    b) can i get back to some sort of level of playing football without surgery
    a) Depends on the extent of the tear and which fibers are damaged
    b) This is possible although you will always be at more risk of further injury than prior to the recent tear. Surgery will provide perhaps a reduced risk or reinjury but the functionality and dynamic movement "might" be better without.

    As I read in another post somewhere a surgeon wrote "The is no condition so bad that cannot be made worse with surgery". This is something worth thinking about.

    Aussie trained Physiotherapist living and working in London, UK.
    Chartered Physiotherapist & Member of the CSP
    Member of Physio First (Chartered Physio's in Private Practice)
    Member Australian Physiotherapy Association
    Founder Physiobase.com 1996 | PhysioBob.com | This Forum | The PhysioLive Network | Physiosure |
    __________________________________________________ _____________________________

    My goal has always to be to get the global physiotherapy community talking & exchanging ideas on an open platform
    Importantly to help clients to be empowered and seek a proactive & preventative approach to health
    To actively seek to develop a sustainable alternative to the evils of Private Medical Care / Insurance

    Follow Me on Twitter

  9. #9
    Forum Member Array
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Country
    Flag of United Kingdom
    Current Location
    East Anglia
    Member Type
    Physiotherapist
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    68
    Thanks given to others
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    42

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    I hope since you last posted that you are making good progress.

    One of the key things is regain the strength at your knee before doing anything too dynamic. You really need 80-90% strength in your injured leg (compared to your non injured) before doing anything too dynamic.

    You must ensure however that you have full range of motion at your knee before embarking on too much else. If you are lacking full extension (or hyperextension) compared to the other side you are more likely to cause long term damage and not full trust the joint and will struggle to regain strength. Also if you are lacking full range you may still have swelling, this can take a long time to settle and range may change if you over do the exercises and stir up the joint, so do monitor.

    You may find that due to NHS constraints that you are not taken as far as you need to in terms of rehab (not sure if this is true...as not worked in NHS for a long time). They should however ensure that you regain full range of movement and start you on a program, with specific goals and targets to meet. You may need further input as you progress.

    Please seek the advice of a physio who has assessed you (as these may not be appropriate for you and technique is important), however below are a few tests that you may find useful to help you monitor your progress....

    *Single leg press (1 Rep max) assertain limb symmetry
    *Star excursion balance test
    *Step down test
    *Figure of 8 shuttle runs
    *Cross over hop tests
    (obviously there are much more basic tests and many more others out there)

    The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (Brinkley et al. (1999) Physical Therapy. 79: 371-383) may help you monitor how your knee is feeling.

    Good luck.


  10. #10
    Forum Member Array
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Country
    Flag of England
    Current Location
    scunthorpe
    Member Type
    Other
    Age
    52
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    2
    Thanks given to others
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    Quote Originally Posted by mouk786 View Post
    I suppose the essential questions are can I :

    a) go back to a near normal knee without surgery but with physio
    b) can i get back to some sort of level of playing football without surgery

    The Dr/specialist at the hospital seemed confident and kept say that I don't need surgery to get back to what I want.

    hi there im new to this forum and have viewed your post, i know you had the problem a while ago but im wondering how your knee is, the reason im asking is im goining through exactly what you did i have a partial tear to my right acl and dont know weather to push for surgery or try the physio route, i did this playing football and would love to get back playing again, many thanks russ


  11. #11
    Forum Member Array
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Country
    Flag of United Kingdom
    Current Location
    Somewhere in cyberspace
    Member Type
    General Public
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    7
    Thanks given to others
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Rep Power
    0

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    Quote Originally Posted by glog1066 View Post
    hi there im new to this forum and have viewed your post, i know you had the problem a while ago but im wondering how your knee is, the reason im asking is im goining through exactly what you did i have a partial tear to my right acl and dont know weather to push for surgery or try the physio route, i did this playing football and would love to get back playing again, many thanks russ
    Hi

    Its been ages since that post

    Effectivley I rehabbed hard and got the strengh back up in my knee. I amanged to play 5 a side football for about a year - playing upto 2 games a week sometimes with no problems.

    The knee itself wasnt bad, no pain and fairly stable but not as rock solid a joint as my normal knee

    unfortunatley after about a year of playing i somehow managed to tear the rest of the ACL whilst twisting.

    I have since had the ACL reconstruction and the knee feels more solid, although I managed to tear some cartialge as well which has caused me more problems

    so my advise is push for the surgery if you want to play footy again.


  12. #12
    Forum Member Array
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Country
    Flag of England
    Current Location
    scunthorpe
    Member Type
    Other
    Age
    52
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    2
    Thanks given to others
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    hi thanks for the speedy reply, you sound like youve had a tough time, i think after speaking to a few people including you i think surgery will be the best option for me,if they will do it of course, thanks very much for yiur help, cheers russ


  13. #13
    Forum Member Array
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Country
    Flag of United Kingdom
    Current Location
    Colorado
    Member Type
    Other
    Age
    62
    View Full Profile
    Posts
    2
    Thanks given to others
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Re: Partial ACL tear - no surgery

    Let us know how you got on. Any kind of future sporting life (contact or non-contact) suggests you should have surgery...



 

Tags for this Thread

Back to top