Orthopedic Surgeons to Discuss Effects of Delaying Critical Knee Surgery at UAE Medical Conference

Online, April 14, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are caused when the knee is straightened beyond its normal limits (hyperextended), twisted, or bent side to side. According to the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, about 150,000 ACL injuries occur in the United States every year. Surgical intervention is common both in the US and the Middle East; however, attention is now being paid to how surgery timing affects the outcome.

Experts at the 3rd International Congress for Joint Reconstruction - Middle East 2014 (ICJR Middle East) will discuss the various causes of ACL injuries and how surgery timing affects the outcomes. The event takes place from 30 April-2 May 2014 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE.

According to Dr Eriksson, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Stockholm South Hospital, Sweden, who will be discussing ACL injuries and surgery timing at the ICJR Middle East Congress, "The goal of the ACL treatment is to improve movement in the joint, reduce symptoms of the injury, improve the patient's quality of life, and reduce future risk of injuries. However, if the orthopaedic surgeon decides to delay the surgery it would most likely be to avoid unnecessary surgery, to try and improve mental and physical status before a probable surgery, and to attempt to lower surgical morbidity, improve results and avoid arthrofibrosis."

Typical situations that lead to ACL injuries are; changing direction quickly or cutting around an obstacle or another player with one foot solidly planted on the ground, landing after a jump with a sudden slowing down, especially if the leg is straight or slightly, falling off a ladder, stepping off a curb, jumping from a moderate or extreme height, stepping into a hole, or missing a step when walking down a staircase. Injuries like these tend to be caused by stopping suddenly, with the leg straight or slightly bent.

"Waiting to perform the surgery increases the risk of cartilage and medial meniscus injuries at reconstruction; results indicate that additional injuries should be avoided if the surgeon's aim is to get the patient into remission and avoid failure," commented Dr Eriksson.

Controversy exists over the most suitable time for reconstructing the ACL after injury. Reconstruction within two weeks of the injury has been recommended by a few surgeons. Early surgical treatment may help prevent increased instability of the knee and reduce the risk of meniscal and chondral injuries. Other studies, however, found the results of early reconstruction unpredictable due to problems such as deficit of motion, pain, arthrofibrosis and patellar contracture syndrome. Experts recommended reconstruction at least three weeks after injury. In most of these studies the patients were competitive athletes. Not many studies comment on the outcome of late reconstruction in recreational athletes.

Running alongside the Congress is an exhibition with 1000 attendees, and 35 exhibitors from 35 countries showcasing their latest products and services. Key industry giants showcasing their products and services include Max Medical, Zimmer, MERCK, American Hospital Dubai, and Johnson & Johnson.