A complete guide to ACL tears — causes, symptoms, diagnosis, grading, and treatment — by British-trained orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Mohammad Ashfaq Konchwalla at Medcare Hospital, Dubai.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary restraint to forward tibial translation and rotational instability of the knee. Running diagonally through the centre of the joint, it works together with the posterior cruciate ligament to form the "cruciate" cross.
An ACL tear occurs when forces exceed the ligament's tensile strength, causing partial or complete rupture. It is one of sport's most serious injuries — affecting approximately 200,000 people per year in the US alone, with high rates among UAE athletes in football, rugby, basketball, cricket, and skiing.
A torn ACL cannot heal on its own. Left untreated, the knee progressively deteriorates — leading to meniscus damage and early-onset osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis and the right treatment pathway are essential for a good long-term outcome.
The ACL is the primary restraint to forward tibial translation and rotational instability. Understanding knee anatomy helps explain why ACL injuries are so devastating and why precise surgical reconstruction produces the best outcomes.
~70% of ACL injuries occur through non-contact mechanisms — highlighting the role of biomechanics and landing technique. Select a cause below to learn more.
ACL tears have a characteristic presentation. The acute phase is dramatic — but chronic deficiency can be subtle, with intermittent instability that is easy to underestimate until secondary damage occurs.
Accurate diagnosis requires clinical examination plus targeted imaging. Dr. Konchwalla's systematic approach ensures no associated injury is missed.
ACL injuries are classified by severity using a three-grade system. Accurate grading directly determines the most appropriate treatment pathway.
Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Konchwalla assesses each patient individually — considering injury grade, age, activity goals, and concurrent injuries — to recommend the most evidence-based approach. Click any step to expand details.
Rest, ice, compression, elevation in the acute phase to control swelling. Appropriate for carefully selected patients with lower activity demands or Grade 1–2 injuries willing to modify their activities.
Progressive strengthening of quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals and core to compensate for ACL deficiency. Functional bracing with a hinged knee brace provides additional stability during activity. PRP injections may support healing in selected Grade 2 partial tears.
4–8 weeks of "prehab" to restore range of motion and optimise quadriceps strength before surgery. This phase significantly improves surgical outcomes and accelerates post-operative rehabilitation.
Minimally invasive keyhole surgery through 2–3 small portals using hamstring, patellar tendon, or allograft. Concurrent meniscus repair addressed simultaneously — best healing rates of any setting.
Criterion-based return-to-sport programme from week 1 through 9–12 months. Clearance based on ≥90% limb symmetry, hop tests, and psychological readiness — not time alone.
British-trained FRCS orthopaedic and sports surgeon. King's College London educated. Medical Director — Pakistan Super League & ICC UAE.
Pivoting, cutting, and high-impact sport place enormous demands on the ACL. Dr. Konchwalla has extensive experience treating athletes at every level — from weekend warriors to international professionals.
Common questions about ACL tears — answered by Dr. Konchwalla's team at Dubai Sports Surgery.
Book a consultation with Dubai's top sports surgery expert — British-trained orthopaedic & sports surgery specialist. Take the first step toward a full, confident recovery. Appointments available within 48 hours.