ACL Online Therapy for natural healing
The case reports of ACL natural healing
Patient Information:
40-year-old, Indian, male
Mechanism of Injury:
In 2004, the patient tore the left ACL and underwent reconstruction surgery in 2008. On October 13, 2022, he twisted his left knee after falling down stairs. An MRI taken on October 17 revealed the following:
Rupture of the reconstructed ACL
Post-Injury Course:
Online therapy began on November 24, 2022. A brace was worn for 3 months with extension limited to 0–30 degrees. Walking was limited to 3,000 steps per day. The patient performed an exercise therapy based on evolutionary developmental movement three times daily for 3 months. In the fourth month, the brace was removed and full range of motion gradually restored. A follow-up MRI was taken on June 6, 2023.
MRI Findings:
The radiologist’s report from India noted:
・Mild damage to the reconstructed ACL and PCL
・Grade 3 tear in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus
Clinical Outcome:
The re-ruptured ACL was judged to have regained sufficient continuity. The patient was instructed to continue rehabilitation toward returning to daily activities.
Discussion:
This is the first reported case in which a re-ruptured reconstructed ACL spontaneously healed through Evo-Devo Exercises. If the graft is fused and fixed within the bone tunnel, appropriate mechanical stress and dynamic movement therapy may allow for spontaneous repair. Accumulation and analysis of further cases is needed.
References:
- Filbay SR et al. “Healing of acute ACL rupture on MRI and outcomes following non-surgical management with the Cross Bracing Protocol.” British Journal of Sports Medicine.
- Ihara H, Kawano T. “Influence of Age on Healing Capacity of Acute Tears of the ACL Based on MRI.” J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2017;41(2):206-211.
- Roemer FW et al. “ACL OsteoArthritis Score (ACLOAS): Longitudinal MRI-based joint assessment of ACL injury.” Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2014;22(5):668–682.
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