What is ACL reconstruction surgery?
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed to repair a torn or ruptured ACL, one of the major ligaments in the knee joint. The ACL is crucial for providing stability to the knee and controlling its range of motion, particularly during activities that involve pivoting, cutting, and sudden changes in direction. ACL injuries are common, especially among athletes, and they can result from non-contact movements, direct trauma, or a combination of factors.
Who needs ACL reconstruction surgery?
ACL reconstruction surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have experienced an ACL tear and wish to regain knee stability, function, and minimize the risk of long-term knee problems. The procedure involves replacing the damaged ACL with a graft, usually taken from a tendon elsewhere in the body or from a cadaver (allograft).
What should I expect from ACL surgery?
Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, imaging studies (such as MRI), and discussions about medical history, goals, and expectations.
ACL reconstruction is performed under regional or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes small incisions around the knee and inserts an arthroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) to assess the extent of the ACL injury and examine the condition of other structures within the knee joint.
Then, the surgeon prepares the graft, which is usually obtained from the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or quadriceps tendon in the patient's own body. Alternatively, allograft tissue (from a cadaver) may be used. Small tunnels are drilled into the tibia (shinbone) and femur (thighbone) to create pathways for the graft. The graft is threaded through these tunnels and secured using screws, buttons, or other fixation devices. It is positioned to mimic the natural placement and function of the original ACL.
The incisions are closed with sutures or staples, and the knee is dressed and bandaged.
What should I expect after ACL surgery?
After ACL reconstruction surgery, patients typically follow a rehabilitation program that involves physical therapy and exercises to gradually regain strength, range of motion, and functional stability. Full recovery can take several months, and the specific timeline varies depending on individual factors, including the type of graft used and the patient's commitment to rehabilitation.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon or book an appointment online.