Near total tear seen involving anterior cruciate ligaments

[Anwesha]

I am 48 years old male and I fell down from a bike which led to an injury in my knee. MRI reads as below. Do I really need a surgery or is it possible to avoid surgery in my case?

Near total tear(only few fibers intact) seen involving anterior cruciate ligament towards femoral attachment with sprain changes in rest of the ligament.
Vertical/bucket-handle tear seen involving posterior horn of lateral meniscus.
Grade-I injury change seen involving posterior horn of medial meniscus.
Mild to moderate fluid collection seen in joint space extending into suprapatellar bursa.

[vickster]

When was the accident? What symptoms do you have? What types of activity do you take part in? What is your job, do you move around a lot, use machinery, carry heavy things etc?

People do cope without a functioning ACL, but it depends on your symptoms, your lifestyle and so on

A bucket handle meniscus tear can also be problematic if the function of the knee is affected.

You'd be best to get an opinion from one or two specialist knee surgeons expert in ligament reconstruction

There are good ligament and meniscus primers in the learning portfolio

https://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEnotes/learning-portfolio#Primers

Good luck

[Anwesha]

I am a teacher. I do move around but don't carry machinery or equipments. Accident was 3 months ago. I have pain in my knee.

[vickster]

Does your knee give way? Can you fully bend and straighten it? Is it locked?
If all of those things are ok, you may be able to compensate with physio. But if the knee is unstable, there is a risk of more damage and arthritis.
Only specialists can really advise but as you’re only 48, I expect surgery would be a good idea

Good luck