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Mr. B. recalled that his knee swelled rapidly immediately after the injury. He experienced severe pain, difficulty bending and straightening the knee, and significant joint swelling due to fluid accumulation.
“Walking became extremely difficult. Even climbing stairs was painful, and I felt that my knee was no longer stable,” he shared.
After presenting to the Orthopedics & Traumatology Department at Hanoi French Hospital, he underwent a clinical examination followed by an MRI scan of his right knee. The imaging revealed multiple associated injuries, including:
- Bone marrow edema of the tibial plateau
- Complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear with mild edema of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Grade III medial meniscus tear and Grade II lateral meniscus tear
- Knee joint effusion and a Baker’s cyst
- Edema at the lateral collateral ligament insertion
Combining the MRI findings with the clinical examination, the orthopedic team confirmed the diagnosis of a complete ACL rupture associated with both medial and lateral meniscal tears.
As the knee was still inflamed with significant joint effusion, surgery was not performed immediately. Instead, the medical team initiated conservative treatment to reduce inflammation, control the joint effusion and restore the knee’s range of motion. Approximately one month later, once the knee had recovered sufficiently, Mr. B. underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction combined with meniscal repair.
Arthroscopic surgery enables early mobilization
The procedure lasted approximately two hours and was completed successfully. Through several small incisions, the surgical team inserted a miniature camera and specialized instruments into the knee joint, allowing them to clearly visualize the injured structures, reconstruct the ACL and treat the meniscal tears while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
During the procedure, the graft was secured using a dedicated fixation system with high-strength sutures and titanium fixation devices. This stable fixation promotes tendon-to-bone healing, providing an important foundation for functional recovery and enabling patients to return to their daily activities more quickly.
Mr. B.’s recovery was uneventful. He remained fever-free, his surgical wounds healed well, and his pain improved significantly.
Just three days after surgery, he was able to begin walking with crutches under the guidance of the Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy team. His rehabilitation program was individually tailored to progressively restore knee motion, rebuild muscle strength and help him safely return to everyday life and eventually to sports.
According to the Orthopedics & Traumatology specialists at Hanoi French Hospital, the anterior cruciate ligament plays a vital role in stabilizing the knee during pivoting, cutting and sudden stopping movements. When the ACL is torn, the knee becomes unstable, increasing the risk of further meniscal damage, cartilage injury and, ultimately, early osteoarthritis if left untreated.
For physically active individuals who wish to return to sports, choosing the right timing for surgery and adhering to a structured rehabilitation program are key factors in achieving optimal recovery and a safe return to activity.
At Hanoi French Hospital, patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach involving Orthopedics Surgeons, Anesthesiologists and Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy specialists. Surgical procedures are performed in operating theatres that meet European standards for infection control, while early postoperative rehabilitation helps patients regain mobility and return to their normal daily activities as soon as possible.
For consultation or to book an appointment with an Orthopedic Specialist at Hanoi French Hospital, please contact us via hotline at 024 3577 1100, our Facebook page “Hanoi French Hospital,” or WhatsApp: +84 903 497 078.
