In sports, few injuries are as challenging to overcome as the unhappy triad — a simultaneous tear of three critical structures in the knee. First coined by sports medicine pioneer Don O’Donoghue in the 1950s, the unhappy triad is prevalent in high-impact sports like rugby or football and those requiring pivoting movements, such as soccer or basketball.
Approximately 25% of athletes with knee injuries are affected by this condition. In Singapore, health professionals point to muscle strain, ligament tears, and joint injuries as the primary causes of the unhappy triad.
The Mechanics of the Unhappy Triad
The unhappy triad occurs when an external force impacts the knee or a weight-bearing foot twists and changes direction while firmly planted on the ground. This injury is characterised by severe knee pain, swelling, difficulty walking, a sensation of the knee “giving out” or locking, and bruising that typically appears two to three days post-injury.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
The knee’s primary stabiliser is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). A torn ACL often necessitates surgery for full recovery, as the injury severely restricts movement and causes walking pain. In the US alone, around $500 million annually is spent on treating ACL-related injuries, making it one of the most common sports injuries. ACL injuries can sideline athletes for over a year and, in severe cases, even end careers.Lateral or Medial Meniscus
The meniscus is a rubbery cartilage located at the femur, tibia, and patella intersection — the three bones forming the knee joint. Functioning as the knee’s shock absorbers, the meniscus helps distribute force and stabilise the joint. Like ACL tears, meniscus tears typically require surgical treatment due to poor blood flow in the area, preventing natural healing. In addition, surgeons remove damaged portions of the meniscus to prevent debris from obstructing the knee joint and causing further complications.Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
The meniscus is a rubbery cartilage located at the femur, tibia, and patella intersection — the three bones forming the knee joint. Functioning as the knee’s shock absorbers, the meniscus helps distribute force and stabilise the joint. Like ACL tears, meniscus tears typically require surgical treatment due to poor blood flow in the area, preventing natural healing. In addition, surgeons remove damaged portions of the meniscus to prevent debris from obstructing the knee joint and causing further complications.Initial Treatment for the Unhappy Triad
Pain management and injury prevention should be prioritised in the event of a severe knee injury. Recommended immediate actions include:
- Applying ice therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
- Elevating the knee to minimise blood flow to the area
- Stabilising the knee with a compression bandage or brace
- Refraining from walking, using crutches or support if necessary
- Consulting with a doctor about the next steps
Surgical Treatment for the Unhappy Triad
Given the severity of the unhappy triad, surgical intervention is typically required. Depending on the extent of the damage, doctors may recommend various treatments:
- Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure using a small, 5mm camera to guide specialised instruments through tiny incisions, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
- ACL reconstruction involves taking a tissue graft from a donor or the patient’s hamstring or tendon to replace the damaged ligament.
- MCL repair: While MCL injuries often respond well to non-surgical treatments, surgeons may recommend surgical intervention when addressing simultaneous ACL and meniscus repairs. MCL repair involves reattaching the torn ligament to the bone from which it detached.
- Meniscus repair or removal: Depending on the damage, surgeons may repair or remove damaged portions of the meniscus through a meniscectomy procedure. Meniscus repair is generally preferred in younger patients due to higher success rates. The goal is to preserve as much cartilage as possible, as losing parts of the meniscus can lead to arthritis 10 to 20 years after the injury.
Recovering from the Unhappy Triad
Recovering from a single knee injury is challenging enough, let alone three simultaneously. The average recovery period for the unhappy triad ranges from 6 to 9 months. After that, surgeons may recommend physical therapy or at-home exercises to promote healing and strengthen the muscles supporting the knee.
During recovery, patients should avoid stressful activities and refrain from participating in sports until cleared by their surgeon. Prematurely returning to sports can result in improper healing and an increased risk of future injuries.
Addressing the Unhappy Triad with Professional Care
The unhappy triad is a severe knee injury that requires more than standard PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) therapy. Choosing the right doctor is crucial as it directly impacts the success of the procedure and your overall recovery. With a trained and experienced orthopaedic surgeon, you can rest assured that proper surgical techniques are employed, minimising potential complications and reducing re-injury risks.
A/Professor Andrew Dutton of the Dr Andrew QuocOrthopaedic & Sports Clinic can answer questions about nursing your knee back to health. With a medical practice dating back to 1996, A/Professor Dutton completed his subspecialty in hip and knee surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School before opening his clinic in Singapore. To schedule an appointment, call (+65) 6836 8000 or send a message through the inquiry form.
A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton Orthopaedic & Sports Clinic Insurance
The A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton Orthopaedic & Sports Clinic offers minimally invasive and surgical treatments for sports-related injuries and orthopaedic conditions.
To aid in the expenses that you may incur, we accept a number of corporate and international insurance. If you have any of the insurance plans below, please let us know when you book an appointment with us. If you need further assistance, you may drop us an e-mail at info@eliteortho.com.sg or call us at (+65) 6836 8000.
- AIA Health Insurance
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- AXA International Exclusive (IE)/ IE Plus
- Aviva Myshield
- Cigna International
- Fullerton Health
- Great Eastern Life/ Live Great
- Integrated Health Plans (IHP)
- MHC Medical Network
- NTUC Income
- Parkway Shenton Insurance/ iXchange
- Raffles Health Insurance
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