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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ( ACL ) Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is one of the most important ligaments in the knee. When it is torn, reconstructive surgery is often necessary to stabilize the knee. Dr. Rahul Bade orthopedic surgeon specialize in ACL reconstruction and ACL Repair.
ACL reconstruction surgery involves a graft to replace the torn ligament. Autographs involving parts of the patient’s body are the most commonly used forms, which usually come from the tendon of the kneecap (patellar), from the hamstring, or from the quadriceps tendon.
Why it's done?
The ACL — one of two ligaments that crosses the middle of the knee — connects your thighbone to your shinbone and helps stabilize your knee joint.
Most ACL injuries happen during sports and fitness activities that can put stress on the knee:
- Suddenly slowing down and changing direction (cutting)
- Pivoting with your foot firmly planted
- Landing from a jump incorrectly
- Stopping suddenly
- Receiving a direct blow to the knee
A course of physical therapy may successfully treat an ACL injury for people who are relatively inactive, engage in moderate exercise and recreational activities, or play sports that put less stress on the knees.
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Risks
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure. And, as with any surgery, bleeding and infection at the surgical site are potential risks. Other risks associated with ACL reconstruction include:
- Knee pain or stiffness
- Poor healing of the graft
- Graft failure after returning to sport
During the procedure
Your surgeon will remove your damaged ligament and replace it with a segment of tendon. This replacement tissue is called a graft and it comes from another part of your knee or a tendon from a deceased donor.
Your surgeon will drill sockets or tunnels into your thighbone and shinbone to accurately position the graft, which is then secured to your bones with screws or other devices. The graft will serve as scaffolding on which new ligament tissue can grow.
After the procedure
Once you recover from the anesthesia, you can go home the same day. Before you go home, you’ll practice walking with crutches, and your surgeon may ask you to wear a knee brace or splint to help protect the graft.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to control swelling and pain after surgery. In general, it’s important to keep your leg elevated, apply a cold wrap or ice to your knee, and rest as much as possible.
Results
Successful ACL reconstruction paired with focused rehabilitation can usually restore stability and function to your knee. Within the first few weeks after surgery, you should strive to regain a range of motion equal to that of your opposite knee. Recovery generally takes about nine months.
It may take eight to 12 months or more before athletes can return to their sports.