Research Results (Case Series, n=61)
n=61 indicates the number of cases in this cohort. MRI assessments were independently reviewed by three professional radiologists.
Ihara classification categorizes ACL tear patterns based on the condition of the ligament ends.
Score 1: healed thick fiber (MRI appearance)
Score 2: healed thin fiber (MRI appearance)
Score 3: not healed (MRI appearance)
| Ihara Classification | Description | Natural Healing Rate | Healing Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type II | Simple complete tear | 100% | – Score 0-1 : 83.3% – Score 2 : 16.7% – Score 3 : 0% |
| Type III | Separated or inverted ends | 95.0% | – Score 0-1: 50.0% – Score 2: 45.0% – Score 3: 5.0% |
| Type IV | Indistinct tear pattern | 85.7% | – Score 0-1: 44.8% – Score 2: 38.0% – Score 3: 14.3% |
Typical Program Outline
This structured rehabilitation program is designed to facilitate the natural healing of an ACL tear. Please note that individual progress may vary based on specific conditions and adherence to the rehabilitation protocol.
| Month | Sessions per Month | Range of Motion (ROM) | Weight-Bearing | Activities | MRI Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 60°–120° | None | — | — |
| 2 | 4 | 30°–130° | None | — | — |
| 3 | 4 | Full | Initiate | Begin cycling | — |
| 4 | 2 | Full | Full | Add Strength training, walking | Second MRI at end of Month 3 |
| 5 | 2 | Full | Full | Strength training | — |
| 6 | 2 | Full | Full | Add jogging | Third MRI at end of Month 6 |
| 7–9 | — | Full | Full | Add running, and Return to sport | — |
Note: MRI assessments are scheduled at the end of Month 3 and Month 6 to evaluate healing progress and guide subsequent rehabilitation steps.
References
- 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: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000515. PubMed
- Roemer FW, Frobell R, Lohmander LS, Niu J, Guermazi A. Anterior Cruciate Ligament OsteoArthritis Score (ACLOAS): Longitudinal MRI-based whole joint assessment of anterior cruciate ligament injury. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2014 May;22(5):668–682. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2014.03.006. PubMed