As we get older, our bodies go through many different changes. One of the changes that many people may experience at some point in their lives is weaker joints. It’s an inevitable part of life and something that we can’t really avoid. When it happens, all we can really do is try to find a fix or a solution to help us feel more comfortable.
If you’re suffering from pain in your knees while you’re going about your daily tasks, you should consider ACL Reconstruction or Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. This surgical procedure can help repair and reconstruct the ACL.
How Is the Surgery Performed?
During the surgery, your doctor will make use of a graft to replace the faulty or torn ligament. The most widely used grafts are those that can be harvested from the patient’s own body, making it less likely that your body will reject it. It is usually taken from the kneecap or patellar tendon, or from either of the hamstring tendons.
The repair surgery can be performed if there was an avulsion fracture. This is when there is a separation of a piece of a bone and a ligament from the rest of the bone. When this is the case, the piece of the bone that is connected to the ACL can be reattached to the bone.
Your doctor will begin the ACL reconstruction surgery by making small incisions around the knee where other instruments that are used for arthroscopic surgery are inserted. In the case of open surgery, instead of making small incisions around the knee, one large incision is made.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is the more common technique used to perform ACL reconstruction because:
- It requires smaller incisions than those made in open surgery.
- It is easier to work on and see the structures of the knee.
- It can be done simultaneously with diagnostic arthroscopy which is arthroscopy to determine the damage and depth of the injury to the knee.
- It has fewer risks when compared to open surgery.
What Can Be Expected After the Surgery
This surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. It is normal to feel tired for a few days after the surgery. You may also experience some swelling and numbness around the knee, where the incisions were made. To reduce swelling, you could apply some ice to the area. You should make sure to keep the surgical area clean to prevent infection.
Physical rehab after an ACL Surgery can typically take from six months to a year. The time it takes for each person to get back on their feet or return to sports activities varies from person to person. For most people, it takes around six months to take part in light physical activities.
Why Is an ACL Reconstruction Necessary?
The goal of the surgery is to get you back to your normal stability before the pain in your knees began. The ACL reconstruction aims to restore function to the knees while preventing degeneration or injuries to other structures within or around the knee area.
As with all surgeries, there are certain risks involved. Your doctor will explain all this to you before you undergo the treatment. You should schedule a consultation to discuss the details of the surgery in detail with your surgeon.
Contact Our Office
To learn more about the treatment, contact Advanced Spine and Orthopedics to schedule your consultation today!
