A 22 year old male twisted his knee while he landed awkwardly while bouldering. He heard a pop sound and was unable to continue due to pain and swelling of the knee. He had limited range of movement and had difficulty walking. He developed an unstable knee with sensation of giving way.
He was reviewed and found to have an unstable knee. MRI scan revealed tear of the medial meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The anterior cruciate ligament is the primary stabiliser for the forward stability of the knee. It is one of the four ligament complex of the knee which provides stability of the knee joint. The ligament complex include the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Injury to the ACL results in recurrent instability of the knee. ACL tear is commonly associated with concurrent injuries to the meniscus and cartilage.
ACL reconstruction using a tendon graft is performed arthroscopically (key hole) to recreate the ACL and restore knee stability. Restoring the knee stability is crucial to avoid repeated injury to the menisci and cartilage. It also allow the individual to resume a regular and active lifestyle.
The video illustrates the findings of torn ACL, lateral meniscus and cartilage lesion.
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