Restoring Stability: Understanding Acl Reconstruction Surgery

: Admin : 2023-03-23

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a vital ligament in the knee joint responsible for providing stability and preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia bone relative to the femur bone. ACL injuries are common in athletes involved in sports that require sudden changes in direction, jumping, or pivoting, such as basketball, soccer, and football. ACL injuries can range from partial tears to complete ruptures, and if left untreated, they can lead to chronic knee instability and osteoarthritis.

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed to repair the torn ACL using a graft from the patient's own body or a donor's body. The most common grafts used for ACL reconstruction are auto grafts, which are taken from the patient's own body, typically the hamstring tendon or patellar tendon. Allografts, or donor grafts, may also be used.

The ACL reconstruction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes around 1-2 hours. The surgeon makes small incisions in the knee and inserts an arthroscopies, a small camera that provides a clear view of the knee joint. The damaged ligament is removed, and the graft is placed in the knee joint in the same position as the original ACL. The graft is then secured to the femur and tibia using screws or other fixation devices. The incisions are closed, and the knee is bandaged.

After the surgery, the patient will need to undergo physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the knee. The rehabilitation process can take several months, and the patient should avoid high-impact activities and sports until the knee is fully healed. The success rate of ACL reconstruction surgery is high, with most patients returning to their pre-injury level of activity within six months to a year.

In conclusion, ACL reconstruction is a common and effective surgical procedure used to repair a torn ACL and restore stability to the knee joint. The surgery is typically performed using a graft from the patient's own body or a donor's body and requires a period of rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the knee. If you have suffered an ACL injury, talk to your doctor about whether ACL reconstruction surgery may be right for you.