Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction Surgery Explained
Ligaments refer to strong tissue bands that attach two bones. The ACL connects the shinbone to the thigh bone. It helps maintain the knee joint stability, especially during activities involving kicking, pivoting, and weaving. ACL injuries can occur during sports or activities that involve sudden changes in direction or sudden stops.
When ACL Reconstruction Surgery Is Necessary
An ACL injury can be treated successfully through a course of physical therapy. That is especially the case for individuals who engage in little to moderate recreational activities and exercises or those who are relatively inactive. An ACL surgery may be recommended if you are an active athlete and wish to continue playing, a meniscus is torn and needs to be repaired, or more than one ligament is injured. Surgery may also be recommended if other treatments don’t relieve the severe pain you experience in the knee.
Common Risks of ACL Surgery
All medical surgeries come with some risks, including ACL reconstruction surgeries. Among the potential risks are bleeding and infection. Other risks more specific to ACL reconstruction injuries are stiffness or pain in the knee and poor graft healing. Graft failure may also occur, especially after returning to intense physical workouts. The results are usually dependent party on how well the surgery is done. That makes it essential to be extremely picky regarding which surgeon does the surgery.
Preparation for ACL Reconstruction Surgery
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Surgeons usually recommend weeks of physical therapy right before the surgery is done. Physical therapy helps to reduce swelling and pain, strengthen muscles, and improve the knee’s range of motion. If you are on medication, you need to consult with your doctor about it. For example, you might need to stop taking blood-thinning medication for about one week before the surgery.
What to Expect During the Procedure
During the surgery, general anesthesia is used to make the patient asleep during the entire process. The procedure is carried out through small incisions through which the surgical instruments are inserted. The process involves removing the damaged ligament and replacing it with a segment of tendon removed from another part of the knee. The grafted tendon is positioned in holes drilled into the thighbone and shinbone, then secured with screws.
Post-Surgery Care
After the effects of the anesthesia wear out, your surgeon will do some basic assessment and discharge you. You may have to wear a knee brace and use crutches for a while to protect the graft. Your doctor can also prescribe pain medication. Undergoing progressive physical therapy can also help to improve the outcome of the surgery.
