Teen footballer returns to field after ACL surgery at Fortis Escorts Amritsar

Dr Tapish Shukla from Fortis Escorts Amritsar along with a teen footballer on whom he performed ACL surgery. -Excelsior/Rakesh
Dr Tapish Shukla from Fortis Escorts Amritsar along with a teen footballer on whom he performed ACL surgery. -Excelsior/Rakesh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 28: A remarkable medical feat at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar, has enabled a young footballer to reclaim her career after a potentially devastating injury.

Click here to watch video
The Hospital successfully performed an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery on 16-year-old Shine Salhotra, a professional footballer. The critical procedure was conducted by Dr Tapish Shukla, Associate Consultant – Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Fortis Escorts Amritsar.
Shine suffered a complete ACL tear and an Anterior Lateral Ligament (ALL) tear in her left knee following a sports injury. The severe damage significantly restricted her movement, preventing her from training and playing football. A thorough clinical evaluation, including an MRI scan, confirmed the diagnosis. Dr Shukla recommended ACL reconstruction surgery along with Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET) to ensure a more robust recovery.
The ACL reconstruction surgery involved reconstructing the torn anterior cruciate ligament using a graft to restore knee stability. The LET technique, performed alongside ACL reconstruction, was employed to reinforce the outer part of the knee, reducing rotational instability and minimizing the risk of re-injury.
The surgery was successfully performed, ensuring Shine’s knee stability and allowing her to regain her full range of motion. Three months post-surgery, she has resumed gym exercises, including squats, cycling and running, without experiencing any pain. She is expected to make a full return to professional football by the end of March 2025.
Commenting on the success of the procedure, Dr Tapish Shukla stated, “The ACL reconstruction combined with LET enhances knee stability and enables athletes to return to their sport without long-term limitations. Shine’s rapid recovery showcases the advancements in sports medicine and our dedication to restoring athletes to peak performance.”
Yogesh Joshi, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts Amritsar, also emphasized the Hospital’s commitment to cutting-edge medical solutions, saying, “At Fortis Escorts Amritsar, we leverage cutting-edge medical technologies to help our patients recover from injuries and regain mobility. Shine’s successful surgery is a testament to our commitment to world-class healthcare.”