Overview

Anterior Cruciate Ligament - ACL reconstruction surgery is the surgical process of treating a torn ACL. In addition, the surgery helps to prevent pain and damage to ones knee caused due insatiability as a result of an injured ACL. The ligament is a soft tissue between the bones connecting the thigh bone(femur) with the tibia(the bone between knee and ankle). ACL tear is common among athletes and can happen due to improper movements while playing a sport. These include landing awkwardly after a jump, turning abruptly or stopping all of a sudden while in motion.

Sports physicians and orthopaedic surgeons can treat ACL injuries. The worn-out ligament is replaced with an artificial tissue graft to work in place of the original ligament. It helps the affected individual to resume the daily activities within a few weeks of the surgery and most patients are able to walk the next day of the surgery. An ACL reconstruction involves a relatively simple procedure and is safe for injured athletes. During ACL reconstruction, a graft replaces the torn ligament. This graft can be obtained from the patient’s hamstring, quadriceps or patellar tendon.

The surgery helps to recover from the pain and instability caused due to the ACL injury. Post-surgery, the affected individual can return to sports after proper rehabilitation and conditioning.

Benefits of Requirements of an ACL Surgery

Mentioned below are the benefits or requirements of the surgery that help the injured individual recover at the earliest possible time:

- Partial/Complete ACL Tear- Partial and complete ACL tears are the biggest reasons to get the surgery done. The condition leads to instability of the joint. When the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is completely torn, it usually does not heal on its own due to the limited blood supply to the ligament. In such cases, surgery is often recommended to reconstruct the torn ACL. The surgery involves the replacement of injured tissue with an artificial graft to allow the patient to move the joint hassle-free. The Lachman and Pivot Shift tests help the surgeon identify whether the injury is partial or complete. It further helps the surgeon to decide the right treatment option for a speedy acl reconstruction recovery.
- Patient's Lifestyle- A patient requiring partial or complete surgery depends upon the patient's lifestyle. The doctor may suggest complete surgery for an individual who prefers an active lifestyle and needs to play sports even after the surgical procedure. An individual who is not required to perform any rigorous activity and has a no instability doing daily activities can be treated with the help of nonsurgical treatments to resume routine activities successfully. Hence, a patient's aspect is one of the most significant aspects in deciding the form of surgery required for the individual. Usually, an ACL reconstruction recovery requires a period of six to nine months.

Procedure of an ACL Surgery 

Mentioned below are the steps defining the ACL reconstruction procedure that helps the patient understand the whole process and keep one calm and composed during the surgery:

- The surgeon makes a small incision around the area to be operated on the knee.
- The incisions are done to insert surgical instruments to operate the injured area easily without any hassle.
- An arthroscope is also inserted through the incision to deliver saline solution around the joint to expand the space of the area to be operated.
- The step helps to create space for the instruments to allow the surgeon to operate the area conveniently. In addition, enough space around the surgical area helps the arthroscopic camera deliver clear and precise video.
- With the help of the video displayed on the monitor, the surgeon can repair the torn ACL of the patient..
- A graft from cutting a tendon from another part of the patient's body(usually hamstring) is then inserted as a new ACL.
- Bio screws help to secure the bone plugs, which later grow into surrounding bones.

Post-ACL Surgery Care

Post-ACL Surgery Care-  Mentioned below are some of the post-ACL reconstruction care guidelines that help in speedy recovery after the surgery:

Exercise- As suggested by the doctors, light and regular exercises are one of the post-surgery care guidelines. It helps improve the mobility of the operated knee and allows the patient to recover quickly.

Elevated Leg Level- Doctors recommend keeping the operated leg elevated for a few days. It helps reduce swelling near the operated area.

Medications- Pain and discomfort after surgery are managed through medications. The doctor may suggest a few medicines and allow one to stay calm and relaxed to lower the pain and uneasiness caused.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed to repair a torn ACL in the knee. The ACL is one of the major ligaments in the knee that provides stability and helps control the forward movement of the shin bone in relation to the thigh bone. It can be injured during sports activities, accidents, or sudden twisting motions of the knee. Doctors recommend surgery and replacing the torn ligament with a graft. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are recommended to gain strength and range of motion in the knee.