ACL surgery Dubai
Overview
Knee injuries are a common bone condition that can significantly impact an individual’s mobility and quality of life. Among the various knee conditions, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries stand out as one of the most prevalent and challenging to manage. The ACL, a crucial ligament in the knee joint, plays an imperative role in providing stability and support during movement.
Consequently, damage to the ACL can significantly impair knee function and lead to chronic instability if left untreated. This page will talk about the complexities of ACL injuries and explore the possible treatments.
Our orthopedic doctor Dr. Hesham Al-Khateeb specializes in knee and hip conditions offering precise treatment as well as ACL surgery in Dubai. He insists on early diagnosis for devising tailored rehabilitation strategies, appropriate management of the condition, and preventing long-term complications to mitigate the impact.
What is an ACL injury?
An ACL injury refers to a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is among the sturdy bands of tissue responsible for connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia).
Anatomy of the ACL (Knee Joint)
The ACL, a crucial knee ligament, links the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), with one ACL present in each knee. Positioned towards the front of the knee, it forms an “X” shape with the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which resides closer to the back of the knee. Functioning akin to a strap, the ACL maintains the knee’s stability by preventing excessive bending or twisting.
Activities exerting force beyond the knee’s natural limits, such as sudden stops or directional changes, are common occurrences in sports like soccer, basketball, football, and downhill skiing. These can result in ACL injuries. Individuals often experience a popping sensation or hear a distinct pop when an ACL injury occurs, followed by swelling, instability, and intense pain, making weight-bearing challenging.
Treatment for ACL varies based on the injury’s severity, ranging from rest and rehabilitation exercises to strengthen and stabilize the knee to ACL tear surgery for ligament replacement followed by rehabilitation. Engaging in a tailored training regimen may aid in minimizing the risk of ACL injuries.
In Dubai, specialized treatment options, including ACL treatment in Dubai, are available to address these specific knee injuries effectively.
Types of ACL Injuries
Roughly half of ACL injuries coincide with damage to the meniscus, articular cartilage, or other ligaments.
Injured ligaments are categorized as sprains and evaluated based on their severity:
Grade 1 Sprains:
In a Grade 1 sprain, the ligament sustains mild damage, characterized by slight stretching while retaining some ability to maintain knee joint stability.
Grade 2 Sprains:
A Grade 2 sprain involves stretching of the ligament to the extent that it becomes lax, often termed as a partial tear of the ligament.
Grade 3 Sprains:
This classification denotes a complete tear of the ligament, where it is either torn in half or detached from the bone, resulting in knee joint instability.
Partial tears of the ACL are uncommon; the majority of ACL injuries involve complete or nearly complete tears.
Causes of ACL Injury
Ligaments serve as robust bands of tissue linking one bone to another, providing structural support and stability. Among these, the ACL, one of the two ligaments intersecting in the center of the knee, connects the thighbone to the shinbone, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint.
ACL injuries frequently occur during activities involving significant stress on the knee, such as:
- Abrupt deceleration and changes in direction (cutting)
- Rotational movements with a firmly planted foot
- Awkward landings following a jump
- Sudden stops
- Direct impact to the knee or collisions, such as those seen in football tackles
When the ACL sustains damage, it often results in either a partial or complete tear of the tissue. Mild injuries may involve ligament stretching without complete rupture, preserving its structural integrity.
Symptoms of an ACL Injury
In an ACL injury, apart from experiencing a sensation of your knee collapsing, the following are some of the most common symptoms that one may face:
Pain accompanied by swelling: Within a day, swelling typically ensues in the knee. While the swelling and pain might subside naturally if left untreated, attempting to resume sports activities may result in knee instability, potentially leading to additional harm to the knee’s cushioning cartilage (meniscus):
- Restricted range of motion
- Sensitivity along the joint line
- Discomfort during walking
The severity of symptoms determines the course of treatment and also ascertain whether or not you need ACL surgery.
ACL Tear treatment in Dubai
After conducting a series of examinations, tests and x-rays, our ACL injury doctor in Dubai will decide upon the line of treatment and the type of ACL injury surgery in Dubai you might need.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Gradual physical therapy and rehabilitation can help bring the knee back to a state similar to its condition before the injury and educate the patient on preventing instability. Additionally, the physician might suggest wearing a hinged knee brace to provide supplementary support. Nonetheless, individuals opting out of surgery often encounter injuries to other areas of the knee owing to joint instability.
Surgical Treatment Options
When an ACL injury does not respond to conventional or non-surgical treatments, our orthopedic may recommend ACL knee surgery.
There are different types of ACL injury surgeries in Dubai, each tailored to the individual’s specific condition and treatment goals. The most common surgical approaches for ACL injuries include arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Dubai and ACL repair in Dubai.
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Dubai by Dr. Hesham is a minimally invasive procedure where the damaged ACL is replaced with a substitute graft, typically using tissue from the patient’s own body or a donor. This surgery aims to create a new ACL that functions similarly to the original ligament, providing stability to the knee joint.
On the other hand, ACL repair in Dubai involves preserving the patient’s existing ACL tissue by suturing the torn ligament back together. This ACL repair procedure is less common and may be suitable for partial tears or specific cases where the ACL is still largely intact.
The choice between ACL reconstruction and repair depends on various factors, including the extent of the ACL injury, the individual’s activity level, and overall knee health. Both surgical options have their benefits and considerations, and the decision is often made in consultation with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in ACL injuries.
In addition to these primary surgical approaches, there are variations and advancements in ACL surgery techniques, such as double-bundle ACL surgery, which offer specific benefits in certain cases. Ultimately, the goal of ACL injury surgeries is to restore knee function, reduce instability, and enable individuals to return to their active lifestyles with improved strength and mobility.
It is essential for individuals with ACL injuries to work closely with their surgeons to decide upon the most suitable surgical approach as per their specific needs and circumstances. Post-surgery rehabilitation and physical therapy also play a crucial role in recovering strength, range of motion, and stability in the knee joint following ACL surgery. Together, these efforts contribute to a successful recovery and optimal outcomes for individuals undergoing ACL injury surgeries.
ACL surgery cost in Dubai
The ACL surgery cost in Dubai varies depending on several factors, like the hospital or clinic chosen, the specific surgical technique utilized, the expertise of the surgeon, and any additional services required for rehabilitation and follow-up care.
Generally, ACL repair surgery cost in Dubai covers pre-operative assessments, the surgical procedure itself, post-operative care, and rehabilitation sessions. It is important for individuals considering ACL surgery in Dubai to inquire about the specific breakdown of expenses, explore insurance coverage options, and discuss payment plans with healthcare providers to make well-informed decisions regarding their orthopedic care and financial planning.
Looking for the best ACL surgeon in Dubai? Consult Dr. Hesham Al-Khateeb for:
- Cutting-edge Diagnostic Methods: Our facility utilizes cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, including MRI technology for detecting ACL Tears in Dubai, which delivers precise assessments of ligament injuries. This sophisticated imaging enables us to tailor our approach to ACL tear treatment in Dubai.
- Customized Surgical Strategies: Acknowledging the individualized nature of ACL injuries, Dr. Hesham develops personalized surgical strategies. These strategies take into account various factors such as the severity of the tear, the patient’s lifestyle, and their desired activity levels post-reconstruction.
- Advanced Minimally Invasive Techniques: Dr. Hesham leads the way in orthopedic advancements, offering advanced minimally invasive ACL Reconstruction in Dubai when appropriate. These techniques facilitate quicker recovery, minimize scarring, and ensure minimal discomfort for our patients in Dubai.
- Holistic Rehabilitation Assistance: Our dedication extends beyond the surgical procedure. We deliver comprehensive postoperative care and rehabilitation plans aimed at optimizing recovery, reinstating knee functionality, and mitigating the risk of further injury.
