Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital in Al Khobar announced the successful completion of a delicate surgical procedure performed on Captain Saad Al-Musahal, football coach at Winners Academy, to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The surgery was performed by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Qahtani, a consultant in orthopedics, sports injuries, and knee replacement, who has extensive experience in this field.
Details of the injury and accurate diagnosis
The injury occurred at the end of last December when Captain Al-Musahal suffered a severe injury while playing sports, resulting in sharp pain and significant swelling in his knee, along with a feeling of joint instability. After visiting Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital, he underwent a series of comprehensive medical examinations and an MRI scan, which confirmed the diagnosis of a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the most common and impactful injuries among athletes.
The context of cruciate ligament injuries in the world of sports
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a nightmare for many athletes, especially in sports like football and basketball that require sudden changes of direction, quick stops, and jumps. A torn ACL leads to instability in the knee joint, preventing the athlete from performing effectively. Historically, this injury ended the careers of many stars, but with the tremendous advancements in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, full recovery and a return to the field are now possible and accessible, reflecting the significant progress in healthcare for athletes.
The importance of having advanced medical expertise available locally
The success of this initiative highlights the importance of having specialized medical centers and qualified national personnel within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The presence of a comprehensive sports medicine unit at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital in Al Khobar, equipped with the latest global technologies, contributes to providing superior healthcare for local and international athletes and reduces the need to travel abroad for treatment. This development aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to elevate the quality of the healthcare sector and establish it as a leading destination regionally.
Post-operative statements
For his part, Captain Saad Al-Musahal expressed his immense happiness at the success of the operation, saying, “Thank God, I feel much better, and I was able to bend and extend my knee joint smoothly immediately after the surgery. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, the medical team, and the physiotherapy team for their great care and efforts in my treatment.” He also praised the advanced level of healthcare provided by the hospital and the competence of its staff.
Dr. Al-Qahtani explained that the procedure was performed using laparoscopic surgery, a modern technique characterized by its minimally invasive nature, which reduces pain and accelerates recovery. He added, “The operation proceeded according to the planned treatment and was completely successful. Captain Al-Musahal is expected to fully resume his athletic and training activities after completing the necessary physical therapy and rehabilitation.”.
