Dr. Barik's Orthocare Clinic

Meet Our Doctor

Dr. Sanjay Barik

Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon

Dr. Barik's Orthocare Clinic

Dr. Sanjay Barik is an experienced Orthopedic Doctor in Ramdaspeth, Nagpur. He is a qualified MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MS – Orthopaedics.
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ACL Injury In Nagpur

An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury is a specific type of knee injury that damages the ligament at the front of the knee joint. This ligament is important for maintaining stability and controlling the movement of the knee, especially during activities that require a sudden stop, change of direction, or rotation. ACL injuries occur during sports or physical activities that place force on the knee and can tear or stretch the ligament beyond its normal capacity. Common scenarios include a sudden stop, an improper landing, or a direct impact to the knee that causes ligament damage. ACL injuries can cause a distinct cracking sound at the moment of injury, and are accompanied by immediate swelling, pain, and instability in the injured knee.

The severity of ACL injuries varies from a mild sprain to a complete tear. In less severe cases, a conservative treatment approach such as rest, physical therapy, and support may be recommended. However, more severe injuries often require surgery to reconstruct the torn ligament, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program to restore strength and stability to the knee. Cruciate ligament injuries don’t just occur in athletes; they can occur in people of all ages and activity levels when the knee is subjected to forces that exceed the ligament’s ability to restore. Proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical to optimal recovery and avoidance of long-term complications associated with ACL injuries.

ACL Injury
I. Symptoms of ACL Injury
Signs and symptoms of an ACL injury usually include

Popping sounds: Many people report hearing or feeling a popping sound or sensation during the injury. This may indicate a ligament tear.

Immediate swelling: Swelling of the knee occurs rapidly, usually within a few hours after the injury. Swelling is often caused by blood buildup within the joint.

Pain: People with ACL injuries often experience mild to severe pain. Pain may be felt on the inside of the knee and may limit your ability to put weight on the affected leg.

Unsteady or wobbly sensation: An injured knee may feel unstable or wobbly, especially during weight-bearing activities or movements such as turning or rotating. This instability is caused by decreased function of the ligaments that support the knee joint.

Limited range of motion: The range of motion in the knee is limited and some people may have difficulty fully extending or bending their knee.

Discomfort or Difficulty Walking: Walking can be uncomfortable, and some people may limp or prefer the uninjured leg to relieve pain and instability.

It is important to note that not all ACL injuries have the same symptoms, and some people may not experience all of these signs.

II. When to see an Orthopedic Doctor for ACL injury in Nagpur

If you are experiencing any of these above mentioned Symptoms, visit or call at Dr. Barik Ortho Care Clinic. Prompt medical evaluation is important for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of ACL injuries. If you suspect you have an ACL injury, seeing the doctor and having an imaging test such as an MRI can help determine the extent of the ligament injury and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

III. Causes of ACL Injury
Sudden Stopping or Change of Direction: ACL injuries often occur during activities that involve sudden stopping, changing direction, or twisting motions. This is common in sports such as football, basketball, and soccer, where athletes may suddenly or quickly change direction while running.
 
Improper landings: Athletes who land awkwardly, especially after jumps, may be at risk for anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Poor landing mechanics such as: Landing with a weak knee can lead to ligament damage.
 
Direct Impact to the Knee: Trauma or direct impact to the knee, such as from a car accident or fall, can cause an ACL injury. Impact forces can stretch or tear the band.
 
Knee Hyperextension: Hyperextension occurs when the knee is forced beyond its normal range of motion, which can lead to anterior cruciate ligament injury.
 
Non-Contact Injuries: In some cases, ACL injuries can occur without direct contact with another person or object. For example, if you suddenly change direction or misstep while driving, the band can give way.
 
High Risk Sports: Certain sports have a higher risk of ACL injury due to the nature of the activity. These include sports such as skiing, gymnastics, and volleyball.
 
Gender and Anatomy: Women are generally more susceptible to their ACL injuries than men, likely due to differences in anatomy, hormonal factors, and neuromuscular control. Anatomical factors such as a narrow intercondylar notch and shallow slope of the tibial plateau may also contribute to increased risk.
 
Previous ACL Injury: People who have previously sustained an ACL injury are at increased risk for reinjury, even with appropriate rehabilitation and treatment.
 
IV.Prevention from ACL Injury

Proper training and exercise can help reduce the risk of ACL injury. A sports medicine physician, physical therapist, athletic trainer, or other sports medicine professional can help reduce risk through assessment, guidance, and feedback.

 
A program to reduce ACL injuries includes:
 
  • Core training, including the hips, pelvis, and lower abdomen, aimed at teaching athletes not to move their knees inward during squats. Exercises to strengthen your muscles.
  • Exercises to strengthen the leg muscles, especially the thigh muscles Exercises to ensure an overall balance of leg strength.
  • Training and exercises focusing on proper technique and knee position during jumps and jump landings.
  • Training to improve turning and cutting techniques.
  • Training to strengthen leg, hip, and core muscles, as well as to improve jumping and landing techniques and prevent inward movement of the knee, can help reduce the high risk of her ACL injury in female athletes .
V. Risk Factors
Gender: Female athletes are generally at higher risk for ACL injuries than male athletes. This increased risk may be due to differences in biomechanics, hormonal factors, and neuromuscular control.
 
Exercise: Participating in certain sports that involve cutting, twisting, or jumping may increase your risk of ACL injury. Cruciate ligament injuries are more common in sports such as football, basketball, soccer, skiing, and gymnastics.
 
Previous ACL Injury: People who have had a previous ACL injury, whether or not it was surgically repaired, are at increased risk of reinjury. Proper rehabilitation and training for return to sport is important to reduce this risk.
 
Age: Cruciate ligament injuries occur more frequently in adolescents and young adults who actively participate in sports. However, people of all ages can be at risk, especially when engaging in activities that involve strenuous movement.
 
Biomechanical Factors: Certain biomechanical factors, such as poor neuromuscular control, muscle imbalances, and defective movement patterns, may contribute to an increased risk of ACL injury. Addressing these factors through targeted training programs can reduce risk.
 
Anatomical Factors: Certain anatomical features, such as a narrow intercondylar notch, a shallow tibial plateau, and a more vertically oriented femur, may increase susceptibility to ACL injury.
 
Hormonal factors: Hormonal fluctuations can affect ligament laxity and contribute to an increased risk of ACL injury, especially in women during the menstrual cycle.
 
Footwear and playing surfaces: Improper footwear or playing on surfaces with low traction can cause instability and increase the risk of ACL injury.
 
Environmental factors: Environmental conditions such as weather and lighting can also have an effect. Slippery or uneven surfaces can increase the chance of ACL injury.
 
Training and Conditioning: Poor strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control can increase the risk of ACL injury. A proper training and conditioning program that includes balance and flexibility exercises can help reduce this risk.
 
VI. Complications Arrises in ACL Injury
People who have suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are at increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the destruction of cartilage, causing pain, swelling, and decreased joint function. Even with surgical procedures to reconstruct damaged ligaments, the risk of arthritis remains. Several factors contribute to this increased risk, including the severity of her ACL injury in the first place.
 
The extent of the original injury plays an important role in determining the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. More severe ACL injuries, particularly those involving complete ligament rupture, can have a greater impact on the joint structure and may accelerate the degenerative process. In addition, the following injuries to the knee joint may also occur: Injury to the meniscus or articular cartilage can further increase the risk of arthritis.
 
Activity level and participation in sports or high-impact activities after ACL treatment also influence the risk of arthritis. Intense physical activity without proper rehabilitation and protective measures can increase wear and tear on the joints and hasten the onset of osteoarthritis.
 
Postoperative factors such as the success of ligament reconstruction and the effectiveness of rehabilitation can influence long-term joint health. Proper postoperative care, adherence to rehabilitation protocols, and achieving optimal knee function are important to minimize the risk of arthritis.
 
If you have a history of cruciate ligament injury, it is important to pay attention to the health of your joints and see your doctor regularly. It’s important to monitor your knee for signs of arthritis, such as persistent pain, swelling, or limited mobility. Implementing preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, performing low-impact exercise, and using joint-sparing strategies may help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis in individuals who sustain an ACL injury. there is.