An accident on-field has triggered emotions among football fans. During a Copa Libertadores match in Buenos Aires, former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo broke his opponent Luciano Sanchez's leg accidentally. Marcelo is currently playing for Brazil's Fluminense and the accident happened at the 56th minute of the game.
What happened exactly?
"Marcelo was dribbling past Sanchez when his leading foot went past the ball and caught the Argentine high on the shin with force. The Argentinos player’s leg buckled underneath him at a shocking angle, leaving him lying in agony on the pitch," News18 reported.
"Fluminense FC sympathizes with and wishes a prompt recovery to defender Luciano Sánchez, from Argentinos Juniors, injured in an accidental move in tonight's match," Fluminense tweeted.
While it was earlier believed that he had broken his leg, a medical report published by the club said Sánchez suffered a full dislocation of his left knee.
A dislocation in the knee occurs when the three bones of the knee--femur, tibia and patella-- are dislocated from their normal place. This usually occurs in a high-energy and high-intensity injury and often leads to neurovascular injuries. When a knee bone is dislocated, the shin and thigh bones are likely to be dislocated too.
Knee dislocation is associated with immense pain which makes it difficult to move or straighten the knees, unstable and swollen knees, an unusual appearance of knee that look like they are out of place.
How long will it take to recover?
"Local media say doctors at the Sanatorio Finochietto hospital estimated Sánchez’ recovery time between eight and 12 months due to the incident," AP reported.
There are several medical approaches to treat this condition. First, the doctors will look for damaged ligaments which are basically the tissues that will help to put your knee back in its position. Next, the nerves around the knee are checked. Ankle-brachial index test is done to compare blood pressure at the ankle to blood pressure at the arm; if it low it means nerves aiding blood flow to legs have been damaged. Other than this, imaging, MRI, and arteriogram might also be suggested to check the muscles and nerves.
