The signs and symptoms of an ACL Injury commonly include one or more of the following:

• Hearing or feeling a ‘pop’ or ‘popping’ sensation in the knee
• Severe pain
• Feeling of instability or buckling in the knee
• Swelling of the knee
• Loss in range of movement in the knee

Physiotherapy

The first phase of treatment is physiotherapy and rehabilitation. The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce the swelling of the knee and restore the knee to its pre-injury state. Physiotherapy will be supplemented with a hinged knee brace to support the knee.

Patients who choose to go for ACL Reconstruction Surgery will also need to attend physiotherapy prior to their surgery. Those who go for surgery with a stiff or swollen knee may have problems regaining the full range of motion in their knee after surgery.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Unfortunately, most ACL injuries cannot heal on their own or with non-surgical treatment. Left untreated, patients may experience secondary injury to their knee due to its instability.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery is often the most appropriate long-term treatment plan to restore stability to one’s knee, especially for those who wish to return to pre-injury level sports.

What is the procedure of the ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

The main goal of the ACL Reconstruction Surgery is to restore stability to the injured knee and prevent further damage to the surrounding ligaments and cartilage in the knee.

During the ACL Reconstruction Surgery, you will be under general anaesthesia. The surgery is typically done using a minimally invasive approach by a knee surgery specialist in Singapore where an arthroscope (tube-like video camera) and other surgical tools are inserted via small incisions in the knee joint space. Your damaged ACL will then be removed and replaced with a segment of tendon from another part of your knee (graft). The graft acts as a base on which new ligament tissue can grow.

What is the recovery process like after an ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

The ACL Reconstruction Surgery is an outpatient surgery. Hence, you can go home after the procedure without having to stay overnight.

After the procedure, you will have to use crutches and keep your knee in a brace to support and protect the graft. Dr. Ong will prescribe medication and give you specific post-surgery instructions.

You will also need to attend physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve flexibility in order to restore function in the knee.

How can I get the best results after an ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

It is imperative to follow your ACL surgery rehabilitation plan to achieve ideal results after surgery. Post-surgery care can be a tedious process but Dr. Ong will be supporting you every step of the way.

Am I able to continue doing sports after an ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

While it will take a significant amount of time for your knee to heal completely, it is possible to return to sports after surgery.

Many factors need to be considered before going back to playing sports as there are risks of reinjuring the reconstructed ACL. Every patient’s recovery process is different, but following your physiotherapy plan closely is important to regain strength and stability in the knee as well as improve your balance, agility and jumping skills. When these milestones are completed, you can ease back into playing sports again.

Are there any risks and complications of ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

The risks and complications associated with ACL Reconstruction Surgery are low. However, as with all surgeries, there are some potential risks. These include:

• Infection
• Bleeding and blood clots
• Persistent knee pain
• Knee pain or stiffness

What Can I Expect At My First Visit With Dr. Ong?

At your first appointment with Dr. Ong, he will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing.

Depending on the symptoms you have, he will likely perform diagnostic imaging tests (e.g. X-Rays or MRI scans) to assess your condition accurately. X-rays and CT scans are useful to rule out bone problems, whilst an MRI scan is excellent for looking at soft tissue (e.g. tendons, ligaments, and cartilage) problems.

After assessing your condition, Dr. Ong will recommend a personalized treatment plan that is specific to your needs. This may include surgical or non-surgical treatment options.

Must I Undergo Surgery For My ACL Injury?

Dr. Ong will only recommend surgical options when all other conventional non-surgical interventions have failed or will not be effective for your condition.

During your consultation, Dr. Ong will first discuss non-surgical treatments with you. If your symptoms do not improve or even worsen during the course of the treatment, Dr. Ong will review the treatment protocol and advise surgery accordingly.

Is It Possible To Prevent An ACL Injury?

There are some simple measures you can incorporate into your daily life to reduce the risk of an ACL injury. You should:

• Do targeted strength training for your knee
• Warm-up and stretch before any exercise
• Practice proper jumping and landing techniques
• Wear proper footwear

Can I Claim My ACL Treatments Through My Medisave Account? (For Singaporeans and PR)

Yes, you can. Our Clinic is an accredited day surgery clinic by the Ministry of Health. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents may use their Medisave for consultations, eligible orthopaedic procedures, and medications at our clinic.

The exact amount would depend on the complexity of the procedure. If you have any enquiries, feel free to speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your Medisave account.