A Footballer With a Torn ACL and a Locked Knee: A Surgical Case
A football injury left this patient with two problems in one knee: a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a meniscus that was completely torn and had slipped inside the joint. Dr. Amr Elyamany explains how the case was handled.
What was wrong
The displaced meniscus was causing "locking", meaning the knee was stuck and stiff, in addition to the torn ACL.
What was done
The surgeons returned the meniscus to its place and fixed it with sutures. The aim was to save the meniscus rather than remove it, because keeping it helps prevent osteoarthritis in the long run. The ACL was treated in the same operation.
The road to recovery
- The patient is expected to start putting full weight on the leg after about a week.
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation typically take about six months, depending on how the patient responds.
The key message
Look after your knee as much as you can, and do not carry on for a long time with an injured meniscus and ACL before getting them treated. Delay can make the damage worse.
Key takeaway: Save the meniscus whenever it can be saved, and do not delay treatment of a locked or unstable knee.
When to see a doctor
- A knee that is stuck and will not fully straighten or bend
- Instability after a football or twisting injury
- Swelling that keeps returning after an injury
Need advice about your own case? Book a consultation with Dr. Amr Elyamany in Dubai.
This article is for general education and does not replace an in-person medical examination. If you have symptoms, please consult a qualified doctor.