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ACL Surgery
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Making It Through with an ACL Surgery
Due to sudden changing of speed or direction, individuals usually suffer from ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury. ACL are vital for the stability of the knee. So when you injured your ACL, you will hear a popping sound and will cause you pain and swelling.
Surgery is necessary for major ACL injuries. ACL reconstruction surgery is performed after several weeks of the injury. This is being delayed to give time for the pain to cool down and the swelling to decrease. During ACL reconstruction surgery, the anterior cruciate ligament is not really being repaired but rather the damaged ligament is entirely being removed and being replaced with a healthier tissue.
Here are some guidelines on when to choose to have and ACL surgery:
1. Could have a major or partial ACL tear and have an unstable knee.
2. Want to regain the full function of your knee since you are actively engaged in sports or have an occupation that will require a strong and stable knee.
3. Other parts of the knee are injured as well. These maybe the ligaments, tendons or cartilage.
4. Have an unstable knee even after rehabilitation.
5. You are mentally ready for the surgery and have solid commitment to the rehabilitation program. This is the most important aspect since treatment should be associated with a determined and positive attitude.
Also it is important to consider which graft material to use to replace the damaged ACL. These options could be: (1) Patellar Ligament (2) Hamstring Tendon (3) Allograft or Donated Tissues.
THE PROCEDURE
Open surgery or arthroscopic surgery can be done. Open surgery uses a large incision in the knee while arthroscopic uses small incisions and insert instruments through these cuts. But most often, surgeons use arthroscopic surgery. The surgery lasts for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Here are the steps being performed during Arthroscopic ACL Surgery:
1. Two or three small incisions are being made around the knee. To expand the area and wash out blood, sterile salt solution is being pumped into one of the incisions made. This way surgeon will clearly see the knee anatomy.
2. Arthroscope is being inserted. This has a small camera at the end and will allow better viewing of the knee to a monitor.
3. Surgeons will drill small holes into the lower and upper leg bones. These bones come together at the joint. These holes will be the place where the graft will be attached.
4. Autograft(usually the patella ligament) is being taken. If the tissue will be from the knee, bone blocks are being taken together with the tissue. The first bone block at the end is being taken from the knee cap and the other end from the lower bone.
5. The graft then will be attached to the holes. They will use 9X20mm screws to secure the graft. And surgeons will start then to close the cuts.
6. X-rays will be taken to ensure that proper procedure was done.
After the operation, you will be given crutches or knee braces. Crutches maybe used for one to three weeks.
Rehabilitation focusing on controlling the swell and returning the strength will be necessary after the surgery. Cycling and swimming are the best exercise for this purpose. It is expected that after 6 to 8 months of recovery, athletes can go back to their usual high-demand sports.
Studies show that 90% of the patients who undergo ACL surgery are able to return to their usual level of activities. That is the reason mental preparedness is very crucial to deciding on when to go for an ACL surgery. ACL reconstruction surgery plus a positive attitude may guarantee a full knee recovery.
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