This page presents a case of a 33-year-old Hungarian male who completely ruptured his right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing soccer and aimed for spontaneous healing through Evo-Devo Exercises without undergoing surgery.
ACL Online Therapy for natural healing
The case reports of ACL natural healing
Patient Information:
- Age / Sex / Nationality: 33 years old / Male / Hungarian
- Date of Injury: March 20, 2023
- Mechanism of Injury: Twisting injury to the knee after being kicked during soccer; audible pop and collapse
- Date of Initial Consultation: March 21, 2023 (Positive Lachman test and MRI performed)
- Diagnosis: Complete rupture of the right ACL
Treatment:
- Start Date: March 22, 2023
- Therapy: Online Evo-Devo Exercises
- Brace: Worn with 0–30° extension restriction
- Activity Restriction: Walking allowed within 3,000 steps/day
- Treatment Duration: Approx. 3 months
Pre-Treatment MRI Evaluation: March 21, 2023
Three independent radiologists evaluated the images using the Ihara classification system.
- Ihara Grade 3: All three doctors diagnosed complete rupture with stump displacement
Follow-Up MRI: July 31, 2023
Three radiology specialists reevaluated the images based on the ACLOAS score.
ACLOAS Score Definition:
- Score 0: Normal ACL (shape and signal)
- Score 1: Thickened/high signal ligament but normal shape and continuity
- Score 2: Thinned/elongated but with preserved continuity
- Score 3: Complete rupture, discontinuity
Evaluation Result in This Case:
- Score 2: All 3 radiologists agreed
Discussion:
Ihara Grade 3 indicates stump displacement and is considered challenging to heal spontaneously. However, in this case, proper early extension restriction and consistent Evo-Devo Exercises resulted in all three radiologists rating the ligament as Score 2 (with continuity). This suggests the possibility of spontaneous healing of the ACL.
References:
- Filbay SR et al. Healing of acute anterior cruciate ligament rupture on MRI and outcomes following non-surgical management with the Cross Bracing Protocol. Br J Sports Med.
- Ihara H, Kawano T. Influence of Age on Healing Capacity of Acute Tears of the ACL Based on MRI Assessment. J Comput Assist Tomogr.
- Roemer FW et al. ACLOAS: Longitudinal MRI-based whole joint assessment of ACL injury. Osteoarthritis Cartilage.