ACL Injuries Increasing During Summer

Make an Appointment

097738 33489
Online Schedule

Book here

Why Are ACL Injuries Increasing During Summer?

Understanding ACL Tears, Reconstruction & Recovery

Dr. Gaurav Khera explains why ACL injuries become more common during summer and how modern ACL reconstruction surgery helps patients return to active lifestyles safely.

ACL Injury Information

What Is an ACL Injury?

The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the most important ligaments in the knee joint. It helps stabilize the knee and prevents the tibia (shin bone) from moving too far forward compared to the femur (thigh bone). For more infomation about Best ACL Surgeon in Delhi.

The knee contains four major ligaments:

ACL – Anterior Cruciate Ligament
PCL – Posterior Cruciate Ligament
MCL – Medial Collateral Ligament
LCL – Lateral Collateral Ligament

Among these, ACL tears are one of the most common sports injuries seen in orthopedic clinics.

Why Do ACL Injuries Increase During Summer?

During summer, people become more physically active. Activities such as:

Running Swimming Walking Gym workouts Football Cricket Badminton & other sports

Increase significantly. Sudden twisting movements, jumping, or awkward landings can place excessive stress on the ACL, leading to tears or ligament injuries.

Common symptoms of an ACL tear include:

  • Knee instability
  • Sudden popping sound
  • Swelling in the knee
  • Difficulty walking or running
  • Pain during sports activities

When Is ACL Reconstruction Surgery Needed?

According to Dr. Gaurav Khera, ACL reconstruction is generally recommended in the following situations:

Patients Who May Need ACL Reconstruction

  • ✔ Knee instability is present
  • ✔ Young and active patients
  • ✔ Athletes or sports professionals
  • ✔ Early osteoarthritis with instability
  • ✔ Difficulty returning to normal activities

Patients Who May Not Need Surgery

  • ❌ No instability in the knee
  • ❌ Advanced osteoarthritis already present
  • ❌ Low physical activity levels

Every patient is different, so treatment decisions should always be made after consultation with an experienced orthopedic surgeon.

How Is ACL Reconstruction Performed?

Many patients are surprised to learn that ACL reconstruction is usually done using a tendon graft, not another ligament.

Difference Between Ligament & Tendon

Ligament

Connects bone to bone

Tendon

Connects muscle to bone

Over time, the tendon used in surgery transforms and behaves like a natural ligament inside the body.

Tendons Commonly Used in ACL Surgery

The most commonly used graft options include:

Hamstring Tendons
  • Semitendinosus tendon
  • Gracilis tendon
Other Tendon Options
  • Quadriceps tendon
  • Patellar tendon
  • Peroneus longus tendon

Why Quadriceps Tendon Is Becoming Popular

According to Dr. Gaurav Khera, quadriceps tendon grafts are gaining popularity because they are:

Thicker and stronger
Helpful for faster sports recovery
Associated with fewer hamstring-related issues

ACL Reconstruction Procedure Explained

The surgery is usually performed arthroscopically (minimally invasive technique).

Steps Involved
1. Small incisions are made
2. Tendon graft is prepared
3. Arthroscope is inserted into the knee
4. Bone tunnels are created
5. The graft is passed through the tunnels
6. The new ACL is fixed using:
• Endobuttons
• Bioscrews

This technique helps restore knee stability and function.

ACL Rehabilitation & Recovery

Recovery after ACL surgery is equally important as the procedure itself.

Rehabilitation Timeline
Initial knee brace support
Gradual increase in knee movement
Progressive physiotherapy
Strength and balance training
Return to sports after proper recovery

Most rehabilitation programs continue for approximately 6 weeks or more, depending on the patient's condition and activity goals.

With proper rehab, many patients successfully return to:

Running Gym workouts Competitive sports Daily activities without instability

Benefits of Early ACL Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment can help:

Improve knee stability
Reduce pain
Prevent further cartilage damage
Delay osteoarthritis progression
Reduce the future need for knee replacement surgery

Watch the Full Video

Why Are ACL Injuries Increasing During Summer?

For detailed guidance about ACL tears, treatment options, surgery, and recovery, watch the complete educational video by Dr. Gaurav Khera.

Watch Video

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No. Surgery depends on age, activity level, knee instability, and associated osteoarthritis.

Basic rehabilitation may take around 6 weeks, but complete sports recovery can take several months.

Yes. With proper rehabilitation, many athletes successfully return to competitive sports.

The ideal graft depends on the patient’s activity level, anatomy, and surgeon preference.

Conclusion

ACL injuries are becoming increasingly common during summer because of higher sports and outdoor activity levels. Early diagnosis, proper rehabilitation, and advanced ACL reconstruction techniques can help patients regain knee stability and return to active life safely.

If you experience knee instability, swelling, or pain after a sports injury, consult an experienced orthopedic specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.