ACL Tear: Is Surgery Always Necessary? With Dr. Ramadan Ahmed Ramadan

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among the most common knee injuries, especially among athletes or individuals exposed to sudden, forceful movements like jumping, pivoting, or abrupt stops.
Dr. Ramadan Ahmed Ramadan, Consultant in Orthopedic Surgery, explains that the need for surgery depends on the severity of the tear and the patient's activity level.

What Is the ACL and Why Does It Tear?

The ACL is one of the main ligaments stabilizing the knee joint.
It typically tears due to:

• Sudden direction changes while running

• Landing incorrectly from a jump

• Direct trauma to the knee

According to Dr. Ramadan Ahmed Ramadan, patients often report hearing a "pop" sound, followed by intense pain and knee instability.

Do All ACL Tears Require Surgery?

Dr. Ramadan Ahmed Ramadan clarifies that the treatment approach depends on:

• Degree of the tear – partial or complete

• Patient’s activity level – athlete or non-athlete

• Age and overall health

• Post-injury knee stability

In mild or partial tears, especially in non-athletes, a structured physical therapy program may be enough to restore function without surgery.

When Is Surgery the Right Option?

According to Dr. Ramadan Ahmed Ramadan, surgery is recommended when:

• The ACL is completely torn

• Conservative treatment fails to restore knee stability

• The patient wishes to return to high-level sports

• There are associated injuries like meniscus or other ligament tears

The surgery is often done using arthroscopy (keyhole surgery), with high success rates and minimal invasiveness.

Role of Rehabilitation After Injury or Surgery

Dr. Ramadan Ahmed Ramadan emphasizes that rehabilitation is a crucial part of the treatment, whether surgery is performed or not. It includes:

• Exercises to strengthen thigh and knee muscles

• Balance and proprioception training

• Improving range of motion and flexibility

• Gradual return to daily and athletic activities