ACL surgery, also known as Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, is done to repair a torn ligament in the knee. ACL surgery is necessary when the ACL, an important ligament in the knee, gets damaged or completely torn. This ligament is crucial to provide stability to the knee joint.
ACL is a ligament that can tear due to sports or trauma. When it gets torn, it can cause a considerable amount of pain, instability, and limited mobility. A person may not be able to perform even simple tasks like climbing stairs. In such cases, ACL reconstruction surgery becomes essential to restore the knee’s stability and function.
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Why is ACL Reconstruction surgery necessary?
The knee joint is formed by the joining of three bones: the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella). Ligaments connect these bones. The anterior cruciate ligament crosses diagonally through the center of the knee.
It prevents the tibia from shifting forward in relation to the femur. This ligament also ensures rotational stability for the joint.
A torn ACL causes knee instability, making it hard to perform daily activities. There can be further injury to the knee joint if ACL surgery is not performed. Thus, surgery becomes essential to restore knee function and prevent long-term damage.
The following are some of the cases where ACL surgery may be needed.
- Severe ACL damage: If the ACL ligament is completely torn, ACL is recommended to help restore the knee function.
- Active lifestyle: Those who are engaged in sports or lead active lifestyles that require jumping, often need ACL surgery to return to their sport or activities.
- Prevention of long-term damage: ACL surgery helps in the prevention of long-term damage. Ligament reconstruction helps prevent arthritis and further damage to the knee.
Pre-ACL Surgery procedure
Before undergoing ACL surgery, it is necessary to be mentally and physically prepared. Here are some steps to take:
- Physical preparation: It is recommended to strengthen your leg muscles by doing some exercises. This can help improve the range of motion and reduce stiffness that may occur after surgery. Common exercises include quadriceps strengthening, hamstring curls, heel slides, etc. These exercises can improve knee stability and reduce the risk of complications during surgery.
- Weight management: Excess weight can put extra strain on your knees. This makes the recovery challenging. So, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for this surgery.
- Medicine management: Your doctor can advise you to stop certain medications before surgery. This includes blood thinners or NSAIDs, as they can interfere with blood clotting and healing.
The ACL surgery procedure
ACL surgery takes around 1-2 hours and the patients can go home the same day. An ACL surgery has the following steps:
- Anesthesia: ACL surgery involves the use of general anesthesia or regional anesthesia to numb the area.
- Incision: It is an arthroscopic surgery in which the surgeon makes a small incision in the knee and inserts an arthroscope (thin, flexible tube) with a camera.
- Graft harvesting: The surgeon uses a tendon from your own body (autograft) or a donor (allograft) to replace the torn ligament.
- Securing the graft: As the torn graft is replaced, it is secured to the bone with screws or other fixing devices.
- Incision closure: The incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape and the knee is bandaged.
Post-surgery recovery
The recovery process is crucial for a successful outcome after the surgery. Proper recovery time helps to regain strength and mobility. Post-surgery recovery is a gradual process. To avoid any complication, the guidance of your surgeon is necessary for post-surgery recovery.
Immediate care Post-ACL Surgery
- Rest and elevation: For the first few days rest is important. Keep your leg elevated to reduce swelling. Avoid any activities that can be strenuous for your knee.
- Ice application: Regular icing and compression can help manage pain and swelling.
- Medications: Your doctor will prescribe some medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy for a Successful ACL Surgery Recovery
Physical therapy is vital in the recovery process after ACL surgery. Start physical therapy as soon as you get the approval of your doctor. Your therapist will help you through exercises that will help to restore your knee’s strength and stability. Physical therapy will help you to:
- Improve knee mobility
- Strengthen muscles
- Increase range of motion
- Reduce swelling and pain
- Improve balance and proprioception (awareness of body position)
Long-Term ACL Surgery Recovery
Recovering from an ACL surgery can take several months. It can 6-12 months to make a full return to sports or demanding physical activities. During this period:
- Keep consistency in physical therapy: Follow your physical therapy consistently to ensure rebuilding strength and flexibility.
- Avoid high-risk activities: Activities that put a strain on your knee should be avoided until cleared by your doctor.
- Wear a knee brace: A knee brace may be required as certain activities need extra support.
Potential complications post- ACL surgery
Most patients experience no complications and can return to normal activities within 6 to 8 months after the surgery. However, the most common complications are pain in the knee and loss of knee motion. Even these complications can be tackled with physical therapy. Loss of knee motion is common only for those patients who had limited motion before the surgery.
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Conclusion
ACL reconstruction surgery is effective in repairing a torn ligament. ACL surgery can successfully restore knee function and stability. By getting to know about the preparation, process of surgery, and recovery, patients can return to their normal activities.
Approximately 85% of patients return to their regular activities without much restrictions. For the remaining 15%, a complete return may be limited due to various causes: pain, swelling, age factor, or other unidentifiable causes.
FAQs
1. Is ACL surgery painful?
You can experience pain and discomfort after the surgery, but it can be managed with medications and proper rest. Being consistent with physical therapy will reduce the pain.
2.Can I walk immediately after ACL surgery?
Walking with crutches is usually allowed within a few days but avoid any strenuous activity. Completely putting your weight is usually allowed after a few weeks of the surgery
3.Can I prevent further ACL injuries after this surgery?
No prevention method is 100% effective, but proper strengthening exercises, and learning the correct landing posture and pivoting techniques can reduce the further risk of ACL injuries.
How to make an appointment with Glyra Orthopedics
At Glyra Orthopaedics, our goal is to help you live an active life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of ACL reconstruction surgery or have already been diagnosed with ACL reconstruction surgery and are seeking expert care, we’d love to discuss further options. Here’s how you can get started:
- Call us : Reach us at +91 98731-65961 to schedule an appointment today.
- Online booking: You can also book your appointment through our website. Click on the appointment scheduling tab to choose a date and time that suits you.
Don’t wait—early intervention can make a significant difference in managing a SLAP tear. Let our team of experts at Glyra Orthopedics guide you toward a healthier, more active future.
In addition to our specialized ACL reconstruction surgery care, Glyra Orthopedic provides a range of orthopedic services, including:
- Comprehensive joint care
- Sports medicine
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Minimally invasive surgical options.
Whatever your orthopedic needs are, Glyra Orthopedics is here to support you every step of the way