Q: I am a 29 years old man who fell 8 years back and developed a ligament injury. I took treatment for a month. But I have been suffering from pain several times since then and hence got an MRI scan. The impression was interstitial tear of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), grade II-III tear of posterior horn of medial meniscus, grade I strain of medial collateral ligament, minimal knee joint effusion. Do I need surgery? Is there any alternate treatment for it other than surgery?

A:Grade II-III tear of ACL is a significant tear, and it requires reconstruction particularly if it is giving you added symptoms and if one is into sports. One can try rest and conservative treatment of pain killers / physiotherapy / hamstring strengthening exercises. If pain and instability persists, you will require arthroscopic surgery.