A 3 Tesla MRI and robotic ligament assessment using Dyneelax at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City revealed a complete tear of Duong's ACL, a meniscus tear, and mild osteoarthritis in his knee.

"The patient had the injury, a torn ligament, for many months without knowing and continued normal activities, worsening the condition," said Dr. Nguyen Van Luu, Head of the Day Surgery Unit, Center for Orthopedics and Trauma. He added that if left untreated, the patient would experience pain, reduced mobility, muscle atrophy, and might even require a knee replacement later.

Duong undergoes a ligament examination before surgery. Photo: *Hospital provided*

The doctor assessed that the torn ends had deteriorated and were no longer suitable for reattachment, thus recommending ACL reconstruction using an autologous tendon graft with the all-inside arthroscopic technique. The doctor used a hamstring tendon from Duong's left leg as a graft to connect the two torn ends of the ligament.

The arthroscopic system allowed the doctor to clearly visualize the ligament, meniscus, and other components inside the knee. The repair was safe and minimally invasive, minimizing the risk of infection and reducing pain during and after surgery. Duong could begin physical therapy early and quickly regain mobility.

The day after surgery, Duong could do exercises in bed and walk with assistance the following day. The doctor predicted he could resume normal activities after two weeks and return to sports after 6-9 months.

Dr. Luu (center) performs arthroscopic ligament reconstruction on the patient. Photo: *Hospital provided*

Dr. Luu explained that knee ligaments can tear due to forceful impacts like falls during sports, falls from heights, or collisions in accidents. The knee often swells briefly, and the patient can still walk, experiencing difficulty only during sports or strenuous activities. Patients may downplay the injury, missing the optimal treatment window. Therefore, after an injury, especially during sports, patients should be aware of warning signs of a torn ligament for timely treatment. These include a popping or snapping sound in the joint, bruising, swelling, and pain, especially with pressure on the joint, muscle spasms, and reduced mobility.

Sports injuries require prompt and effective treatment. Different techniques are applied depending on the severity. Simple sports injuries can be treated quickly in 30-60 minutes at Tam Anh Hospital's Day Surgery Unit.

Phi Hong

*The patient's name has been changed.