Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair Surgery

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a major ligament in the knee joint that provides stability and support to the knee during movement. It is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee, particularly among athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as basketball, football, and soccer.
The ACL is located deep within the knee joint, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Its primary role is to prevent excessive forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur, as well as rotation of the knee joint.
When the ACL is injured, it can lead to knee instability, pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. Treatment for an ACL injury may include rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical reconstruction of the ligament.
About Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
The treatment for an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury typically depends on the severity of the injury, the individual's activity level, age, and overall health. The treatment options for ACL injury include:
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Non-surgical Treatment: Non-surgical treatment options such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) may be recommended for individuals with mild ACL injuries or for those who are not very active. Physical therapy is also used to improve knee strength and stability.
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Surgery: For more severe ACL injuries, surgery may be required to reconstruct the ligament. Surgery typically involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tissue graft from another part of the body or from a donor. The surgery is usually performed arthroscopically and may involve the use of screws or other devices to hold the graft in place.
Rehabilitation is an essential component of ACL treatment regardless of whether surgery is performed. Rehabilitation may involve exercises to improve range of motion, strengthen the muscles around the knee, and improve balance and coordination. It is typically recommended to avoid high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, until the knee has fully healed.
Procedure of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
The procedure for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) treatment typically involves the following steps:
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Preoperative Evaluation: Before surgery, a complete evaluation is performed by the orthopedic surgeon to assess the extent of the injury and determine the best course of treatment. This may include physical examination, imaging tests like MRI or X-ray, and medical history review.
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Anesthesia: On the day of the surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia, which puts them to sleep during the procedure.
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Incision: A small incision is made in the knee to access the damaged ACL.
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ACL Removal: The damaged ACL is removed from the knee joint.
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Graft Harvesting: The orthopedic surgeon takes a piece of tissue (graft) from another part of the patient's body, such as the hamstring, patellar tendon, or quadriceps tendon, to create a new ACL. Alternatively, a donor graft may be used.
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Graft Placement: The graft is then attached to the bone using screws, anchors, or other devices. The new graft is positioned in the same location as the original ACL.
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Closure: Once the graft is secured in place, the incision is closed with sutures or staples.
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Postoperative Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation after ACL surgery typically involves physical therapy to help restore range of motion, improve strength, and promote healing. The patient may use crutches and a brace initially and gradually resume activities as recommended by their orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist.
Overall, ACL treatment procedures are typically performed arthroscopically, which is a minimally invasive technique that allows for a faster recovery and fewer complications compared to open surgery. However, recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the injury.