What Are ACL Tears?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial structure in the knee joint. It prevents the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forward under the femur (thigh bone). It also restricts internal tibial rotation and protects the joint against inward and outward stress.
Among the ligaments around the knee, the ACL has the least elasticity. For this reason, it is the most frequently injured ligament in the knee. Pain, swelling, and inflammation that occur after an ACL injury can lead to muscle weakness, which in turn causes instability in the knee.
What Causes ACL Tears?
Stress on the knee due to sudden turning, stopping, or changes in direction can lead to ACL injuries. Improper landings after jumping or direct blows to the knee can also cause tears.
These injuries may also result from using inappropriate equipment during sports such as football and skiing or playing on unsuitable surfaces like artificial turf.
Rehabilitation-Based Treatment for ACL Tears
In ACL injury treatment, conservative approaches with rehabilitation should be prioritized, and surgical consultation should be considered if necessary.
The decision for conservative treatment depends on the patient’s age, activity level, profession, and future expectations regarding sports. The aim of conservative treatment is to restore normal joint range of motion in the knee, regain muscle strength, improve stability, and return functional levels to their pre-injury state.
Rehabilitation consists of acute, subacute, and chronic phases. The rehabilitation and exercise program applied during these phases should be individually tailored. For individuals and athletes who wish to engage in high-level physical activity after recovery, additional evaluation should be done based on the severity of the ligament damage.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation for ACL Tears
The goal after ACL surgery is for the patient to live a pain-free life with near-normal joint mobility and muscle strength.
The postoperative rehabilitation process may vary depending on the type of graft used in the surgery, which is determined by current surgical preferences for ACL injuries.
During the ACL rehabilitation process, a specific protocol is followed. Weekly exercise routines are planned based on the patient’s condition, and progression is tracked. The variety and intensity of exercises are gradually increased as part of the treatment.
What Do We Do at ROMMER for ACL Injury Rehabilitation?
At ROMMER, after a detailed examination by our specialist physicians, rehabilitation protocols are determined for both surgical and non-surgical patients with ACL injuries. Thanks to individually tailored programs, successful outcomes can be achieved in patients with ACL injuries.