Recovering from Cruciate Ligament Ruptures: How Early Intervention and Rehabilitation Make a Difference

24-year-old Mr. Dat, living in Dong Nai, suffered multiple ruptures of his cruciate ligaments over several months, resulting in loose knee joints and difficulty walking. Despite being advised to undergo surgery by a local doctor after tearing his first cruciate ligament while playing soccer, he was hesitant and declined the procedure. However, he continued to live an active lifestyle until he recently tore his anterior cruciate ligament.

On April 17th, Dr. Nguyen Van Luu from the Center for Orthopedics at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City diagnosed Mr. Dat with two torn knee ligaments but found that other structures like cartilage were not damaged. The patient was recommended reconstructive surgery for both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments using the “all in side” technique, which involves using autologous tendons to repair the ligaments.

The “all in side” technique is an endoscopic, minimally invasive method that aims to reduce infection risks and postoperative pain. It helps patients recover faster and regain mobility sooner by allowing them to walk comfortably just two days after surgery. Dr. Luu predicts that Mr. Dat will be able to resume moderate exercise after six months and engage in light sports after nine months with proper rehabilitation under the guidance of a physical therapist.

Following the surgery, rehabilitation is crucial in ensuring the success of the procedure and preventing re-rupture of the ligaments. Patients are required to follow a structured exercise program under a physical therapist’s guidance as part of their rehabilitation plan following surgery.

Dr. Luu emphasizes the importance of seeking prompt medical attention when it comes to ligament rupture as delays can lead to additional complications like damage to surrounding tissues or potential long-term consequences such as osteoarthritis.

In conclusion, Mr. Dat’s successful recovery from his second cruciate ligament rupture is a testament to how early intervention can preserve the integrity of these important structures and improve overall outcomes for patients who suffer from similar injuries.