ACL Online Therapy for natural healing
The case reports of ACL natural healing
Patient information:
33 year old, male, Malaysian
On July 21st, 2022, he was playing badminton. When he put his right foot forward to pick up the shuttlecock that was falling in front of him, he fell to his right side. He went to the hospital but was not referred for an MRI immediately. No joint fluid was extracted through knee arthrocentesis. He underwent acupuncture several times and participated in two weeks of physiotherapy, including knee extension. On September 8, he was scanned for the MRI and diagnosed as:
a complete ACL tear
(ruptured at the proximal part, classified as type I, in which the torn ends are facing each other)
MCL sprain
Lateral meniscus tear
Starting September 17, 2022, he engaged in Evo-Devo Exercises with Jun Matsumoto, continuing for three months without wearing a functional knee brace restricting the range of motion. On May 9, 2023, he was scanned for the second MRI.
MRI evaluation:
The torn ACL had degenerated and no clear continuity could be confirmed.
Consideration and reflection:
Even though the type of the ACL tear is easier to heal naturally, the expected healing failed. There are three possible causes. The first was that he did not wear a functional brace. Second, treatment started two months after the injury, which was relatively late. Third, before starting treatment, physical therapy with full knee extension was performed. Based on this failure, future treatment plans will likely be reconsidered.
References:
- Ihara H, Miwa M, Deya K, Torisu K. MRI of anterior cruciate ligament healing. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1996 Mar-Apr;20(2):317-21. doi
- Ihara H, Kawano T. Influence of Age on Healing Capacity of Acute Tears of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2017 Mar/Apr;41(2):206-211. doi
- Pitsillides A, Stasinopoulos D, Giannakou K. Healing potential of the anterior cruciate ligament in terms of fiber continuity after a complete rupture: A systematic review. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Oct;28:246-254. doi
- Filbay, Stephanie R et al. “Healing of acute anterior cruciate ligament rupture on MRI and outcomes following non-surgical management with the Cross Bracing Protocol.” British journal of sports medicine, bjsports-2023-106931. 14 Jun. 2023, doi:10.1136/bjsports-2023-106931