ACL Reconstruction
If you need a ACL reconstruction, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What Is ACL Reconstruction?
Surgeons perform ACL reconstruction, a surgical procedure designed to repair a torn or ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. They initiate the procedure by making small incisions around the knee to access the damaged ligament. The torn ACL is then removed, and surgeons replace it with a graft. Physicians typically source this graft from the patient’s own hamstring tendon or patellar tendon, or obtained from a donor.
Using specialized instruments, surgeons secure the graft in place, reconstructing the ACL to restore stability and function to the knee joint. Following surgery, patients undergo a period of immobilization and engage in rehabilitation to aid healing and regain strength. Physical therapy assumes a crucial role in the recovery process, focusing initially on reducing swelling. Additionally, and restoring range of motion, and progressing to strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle support around the knee.
ACL reconstruction aims to restore knee stability, prevent further damage, and facilitate a return to normal activities, with improved function and reduced risk of future injuries.
ACL Surgery
Additionally, ACL surgery, also known as anterior cruciate ligament surgery, repairs a torn or ruptured ACL in the knee. Surgeons initiate the procedure by making small incisions around the knee to access the damaged ligament. They then remove the torn ACL and replace it with a graft, typically sourced from the patient’s own tendon (such as the hamstring or patellar tendon) or from a donor.
Using specialized surgical instruments, the surgeon secures the graft in place, reconstructing the ACL to restore stability and function to the knee joint. After surgery, patients undergo a period of immobilization followed by comprehensive rehabilitation. This rehabilitation regimen includes physical therapy sessions aimed at reducing swelling, restoring range of motion, and progressively strengthening the muscles around the knee.
The primary goals of ACL surgery are to restore the knee’s structural integrity, enhance stability, and facilitate a return to normal activities, including sports. Strict adherence to the prescribed rehabilitation program is essential for optimizing recovery and minimizing the risk of future knee injuries.
ACL Surgery Benefits
ACL surgery offers significant benefits for individuals recovering from ACL injuries. Firstly, the procedure aims to restore stability and function to the knee by repairing or reconstructing the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This restoration helps improve joint mechanics and reduces the risk of further damage or instability.
Secondly, ACL surgery alleviates pain and discomfort associated with ACL injuries, enabling patients to resume daily activities and sports participation more comfortably. By restoring knee stability, the surgery also promotes better overall knee function and mobility.
Furthermore, ACL surgery supports long-term joint health by reducing the likelihood of developing degenerative changes in the knee joint over time. It helps prevent secondary injuries that may occur due to ACL instability, such as meniscus tears or cartilage damage.
Ultimately, undergoing ACL surgery facilitates a faster return to active lifestyles and empowers individuals to regain confidence in their knee’s strength.
ACL Rehabilitation
After the surgery, healthcare professionals initiate a rehabilitation program to aid in recovery and rehabilitation. Subsequently, they prescribe physical therapy exercises to restore knee range of motion, strength, and stability. Moreover, the rehabilitation process typically involves a progression of exercises. Entailing, the gradual increasing in intensity and complexity to facilitate proper healing of the graft and retraining of the muscles around the knee.
The goal of ACL reconstruction is to restore stability and function to the knee joint, enabling individuals to return to their normal activities and sports participation. However, while the success rate of ACL reconstruction is generally high, full recovery can take several months, with a gradual return to sports or high-impact activities.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with ACL reconstruction. Some of which include infection, bleeding, blood clots, graft failure, limited range of motion, and persistent instability. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee injuries to evaluate your specific condition. Following they can further determine the most appropriate treatment approach, which may or may not involve ACL reconstruction. The surgeon will consider various factors, such as the extent of the ACL tear, the patient’s age and activity level, and individual goals, to provide a personalized treatment plan.
If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.
