Understand your knee before you decide.

What is an ACL tear?

The ACL is a ligament in the middle of the knee that keeps the shin bone from sliding forward and helps the knee stay steady when you twist. It usually tears when the foot is planted and the knee twists — common in kabaddi, football and cricket. Many people feel a pop, the knee swells within hours, and later it may give way.

Not every ACL tear needs surgery. Some people do well with a structured physiotherapy programme, especially if they don’t play pivoting sports. Others — particularly those whose knee keeps giving way — may benefit from reconstruction. Read more about ACL reconstruction.

Words in your MRI report, explained

This is a glossary to help you understand common words. It is not a reading of your scan — only a consultation can tell you what your report means for you.

• Effusion — fluid inside the joint (swelling).
• Bone bruise / marrow oedema — bruising inside the bone, often after a twist or blow.
• Sprain — a stretched or partly torn ligament.
• Complete / full-thickness tear — a ligament or tendon torn all the way through.
• Meniscal tear — a tear in one of the knee’s cushions; reports may describe its shape (e.g. “bucket-handle”, “radial”).
• Chondral / cartilage defect — damage to the smooth lining at the ends of the bones.
• Degenerative — related to wear over time.

After a fall: plaster or surgery?

When an older family member falls and breaks a bone, families often ask whether a plaster will do or surgery is needed. It depends on the bone, how the break looks on X-ray, and the person’s overall health. Some breaks heal well in a cast or brace. Others — especially breaks near the hip, or breaks that are out of place — may need surgery so the person can get moving again sooner.

Bring the X-ray reports, any hospital discharge summary and a list of current medicines, especially blood thinners. For a serious injury, go to the emergency department first. Read more about fracture care.

The road back after ACL surgery

Recovery after ACL reconstruction happens in stages: settling swelling and getting the knee straight, then rebuilding strength and balance, then running and sport-specific training, and finally a return to sport when strength and control are ready. Each stage starts when you reach its milestones, not on a fixed date. As a rough guide: walking with support from the next day, off crutches and brace at 4–6 weeks, running at 3–4 months, sport drills at about 6 months, and return to sport at around 9 months.

General information only; it doesn’t replace a consultation.