This special ACL reconstruction surgery was performed by Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung – a leading expert in orthopedic trauma and sports medicine in Vietnam, who has directly treated many professional athletes.
Over 10 Years Living with Pain from a Sports Injury
Mr. N.M.T (36 years old, from Can Tho) sustained a left knee injury while playing football over 10 years ago. As it was never fully treated, the knee began to hurt significantly in the past two months, especially during intense physical activity.
He was admitted to the hospital with chronic pain, knee instability, and difficulty moving. Upon examination at Vinmec Can Tho, doctors diagnosed him with a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, medial and lateral meniscus tears, cartilage damage, and grade I osteoarthritis.
Notably, Mr. T also had multiple underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, fatty liver, and elevated liver enzymes, which increased the risk of complications during surgery.
To restore mobility and prevent further degeneration, the medical team indicated arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, combined with partial meniscectomy of both the medial and lateral menisci.
Thanks to the close collaboration between specialties and a comprehensive preoperative internal medicine plan, the surgery was successfully performed using advanced arthroscopic techniques. This approach optimized treatment outcomes and minimized postoperative complications for the patient.
The surgery was performed by a team of doctors and lasted over an hour, using a fully minimally invasive arthroscopic technique. This method helps preserve healthy tissue as much as possible and minimizes pain for the patient.
Just one day after surgery, the patient was able to move gently, and after 48 hours, he was eligible for discharge. The incision was dry, the knee joint could move from 0 to 30 degrees, and the pain level was very low with no complications recorded.
Based on the postoperative condition, Mr. T will have regular follow-ups and a personalized rehabilitation plan from Vinmec doctors. If well-executed, he can fully return to sports activities within 6–9 months.
The patient happily shared: “I feel much healthier than before, and my mind is more at ease. The surgery went smoothly—I can flex and extend my leg easily. Huge thanks to Dr. Dũng and the entire Vinmec Can Tho team for their dedicated support!”
The arthroscopic knee surgery for Mr. T was performed directly by Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung, Director of the Orthopedic Trauma and Sports Medicine Department, Vinmec Healthcare System, together with a team of multidisciplinary doctors at Vinmec Cần Thơ International General Hospital.
Commenting on the case, Prof. Dung shared: “We used a meniscus trimming technique and precisely designed the bone tunnel and ligament graft with nearly zero margin of error. This ensures the reconstructed ligament matches the original in shape, size, and physiological function—especially critical for young individuals, athletes, and patients with long-term joint damage.”
Bringing international-standard sports medicine closer to local communities
In knee surgeries in particular—and sports medicine trauma surgeries in general—the Vinmec Healthcare System always prioritizes maximum preservation of the meniscus, one of the key structures in stabilizing and protecting the joint.
According to medical experts, the meniscus plays the role of a natural "shock absorber" in the body, helping to disperse impact forces, reduce pressure on the joint, and maintain stability while protecting cartilage during movement.
Partial or total removal of the meniscus can increase pressure on the knee joint by 2 to 3 times, accelerating the degeneration process—especially in young individuals and athletes. Studies have shown that without proper meniscus preservation, knee degeneration may begin within just 10–15 years.
With the success of the arthroscopic knee surgery, Vinmec Can Tho International General Hospital has demonstrated its capacity to perform advanced techniques in the field of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, paving the way for modern, safe, and effective treatment options for patients.
This is not only a technical milestone but also a strong affirmation of Vinmec’s long-term commitment to improving healthcare quality for local communities in the Mekong Delta. It also helps reduce the burden on central hospitals. Furthermore, this marks an important step in the hospital’s advanced specialization, enabling residents in the region to access cutting-edge treatment for musculoskeletal and sports-related injuries without the need to travel to major urban medical centers.
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