Time is of the essence when it comes to knee injuries, according to a leading surgeon. Professor Paul Lee, a joint preservation specialist, warns that one of the biggest mistakes people make is dismissing a popping sensation in the knee during sport.
The Danger of Ignoring a Pop
ACL injuries are among the most common serious sporting injuries, affecting everyone from elite athletes to casual joggers. Professor Lee explains: 'One of the biggest mistakes people make is feeling a pop in the knee, experiencing swelling or instability and then trying to carry on regardless.'
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial stabilising ligament in the knee joint, often injured during sudden changes of direction, twisting, pivoting, or awkward landings. Sports like football, rugby, skiing, basketball, and tennis are high-risk, but ACL injuries can occur in almost any physical activity.
Advances in Treatment
For decades, the standard treatment for a torn ACL has been reconstruction using a tendon graft. However, newer techniques like ACL-STARR Repair focus on preserving and repairing the body's own ligament. Professor Lee notes: 'Early diagnosis is absolutely critical. Some ACL tears that may be repairable within the first few weeks can become irreparable if treatment is delayed.'
He advises anyone who experiences a popping sensation, considerable swelling, or a feeling that the knee is giving way to seek specialist assessment as soon as possible. 'The worst thing people can do is ignore it, keep playing and assume it will settle down on its own,' he adds.
Future of Sports Medicine
Professor Lee believes the future lies in preservation and regeneration rather than replacement. 'Whenever possible, we should be asking whether we can save and restore the body's own tissues rather than automatically replacing them,' he says. While reconstruction remains an excellent option for many, preserving natural anatomy is becoming an increasingly important focus.
With more people participating in sport, recognising early warning signs of ACL injuries can make a considerable difference to recovery and long-term knee health. The sooner an injury is assessed, the more options patients may have.
