What is Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament is a band of strong tissues that connect the femur of a person to their tibia. An ACL tear is a sprain that occurs in this band of tissues. The ACL is present in the knee joint. An ACL tear is commonly observed in athletes, especially in football players, basketball players, etc. The ACL ligament sustains damage when it is stretched too far. When an ACL tear occurs, the person is likely to feel something pop inside the knee. In the majority of the cases, when the ACL tears the knee of the person will swell up and become too painful for the person to bear. When a person sustains an injury to the knee; treatment, rehabilitation, medication, etc are done. However, if the medications and exercises are not working, then the patient might have to undergo surgery.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery is done under anesthesia In an ACL reconstruction surgery, a new ACL is made from replacement tissues. This graft of replacement tissue is either made from the person’s own patellar tendon, quadriceps, or hamstring. Another source of creating a new ACL is by taking replacement tissue from an organ donor. ACL reconstruction surgery is performed by minimally invasive procedures. During the medical procedure, the torn ligament is removed, and then it is replaced with a graft of replacement tissue. The surgeon will drill holes into the thigh bone and the shin bone to properly place the graft. Then the medical professional used screws or other medical equipment to secure the graft in place. The graft will serve as a surface on which the tissues of the new ligament can grow.
- PROCEDURE NAME : Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
- SURGERY TYPE: Minimally Invasive LASER
- HOSPITALIZATION: No Hospitalization
- SURGERY DURATION: 30 minutes
- ANAESTHESIA:Spinal Block / General Anaesthesia
- FULL RECOVERY: 3 - 4 days
TREATMENTS
Diagnosis
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is done to fix the damage that has been sustained by the ACL. In the majority of the cases, a pop is heard or felt when the ACL gets torn. If the person is experiencing symptoms like swelling in the area, an inability to continue moving, or severe pain; it is likely that their ACL is torn. If a person’s anterior cruciate ligament is torn, it is vital that they seek medical attention as soon as possible. Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament is treatable. However, in most cases it requires surgery. People of any age can tear their ACL. women who are active in sports or women who engage themselves in other physical activities are more likely to tear their ACL as the biomechanics exert more pressure on their knees. ACL tears have also been seen exclusively in children and young adults who play sports. Until recently the treatments for ACL tears in children were nonsurgical. It was believed that performing surgery on the ACL of children who are still growing will hinder them from developing. However, new surgical equipment and techniques have rectified this problem, and children with torn ACLs can also get surgery now.
Surgery
After undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery, the patient is likely to be sent home on the same day. Once the person has recovered from anesthesia, they will be made to walk with the help of crutches. Orthopedic surgeons recommend the “rest, ice, compression, elevation” method to swiftly heal from the swelling caused by an ACL reconstruction surgery. The heating pad is to be completely avoided during the first week of recovery. Putting weight on the patient’s knee is suggested but that will be two or three weeks Post operation, depending on the condition of the person. Physical therapy will be recommended to regain motion in the knee and go back to normal condition. Risks Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction The main complication that might happen after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery is bleeding and infection that might happen in the surgical site. ACL reconstruction is widely performed and some of the other major risks of ACL Reconstruction Surgery are; the graft might not heal well, chronic pain in the knees, for people who are engaged in sports might experience a failure of the graft.
Causes
- Chronic constipation
- Painful bowel movements
- Nausia
Symptoms
- Discomfort while sitting
- Swelling & Itching
- Painful bowel movements
- Excessive Bleeding
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to rest after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?
You will have to rest for at least two weeks after undergoing ACL surgery.
What should I avoid after an ACL reconstruction surgery?
It would be best to avoid, putting too much pressure on the knees. Do not ice your knee more than necessary, and avoid sleeping with your knees bent. These are some of the things you can avoid after undergoing an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
How long does the complete recovery after the ACL reconstruction surgery take?
The person will be able to walk a few weeks after the surgery. However, a complete recovery will take about 9 months.
Will an ACL reconstruction surgery make the knee go back to how it was?
The long-term effects of the surgery are not always perfect, however, in the majority of the cases, the patients are happy with the results.
What is the side effect of an anterior cruciate ligament surgery?
Some of the major side effects are blood clots, chronic pain, infection, stiff or weak knee, etc.
