The Knee Pain: A Diagnostic Dilemma.
Keywords:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament, orthopedic surgery, Arthroscopy,Physical TherapyAbstract
Tears of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) are common among athletes of different ages. Here, I present the case of a 17-year-old Asian male rugby player with a one-year history of traumatic right knee pain. On physical examination, there were restricted movements around the right knee without any gross deformity nor tenderness. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed evidence of complete tear of the right ACL with a Bucket handle type tear of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus. The arthroscopic reconstruction of the ACL was performed. The patient received 6-months of physical therapy following the surgery. Skilled clinical assessment, MRI findings together with the findings of diagnostic arthroscopy increase the validity of detecting the ACL and meniscal injuries at the first presentation to the medical care. Early and appropriate referrals should be made when there are no facilities available for further care.