How is ACL reconstruction surgery performed?
Written by:In one of our latest medical articles here below, ACL reconstruction surgery is discussed in detail, including how it is performed, and what the associated recovery time entails.
What is an ACL reconstruction?
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a surgical procedure commonly performed to repair a torn ACL, one of the major ligaments in the knee. The ACL is crucial for stabilizing the knee joint and preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia (shin bone) in relation to the femur (thigh bone). ACL injuries are common among athletes and individuals who engage in high-impact sports or activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or pivoting movements.
What symptoms can a torn ACL cause?
When the ACL is torn, it can result in knee instability, pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. ACL reconstruction is often recommended for individuals with symptomatic ACL tears, particularly those who wish to return to sports or activities that require a stable knee joint.
How is ACL reconstruction surgery performed?
During ACL reconstruction surgery, the torn ACL is replaced with a graft, typically harvested from the patient's own hamstring tendon, patellar tendon, or quadriceps tendon, or from a cadaveric donor. The graft is then secured in place using screws or other fixation devices to restore stability to the knee joint.
ACL reconstruction is typically performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and specialised instruments inserted into the knee joint through a thin, flexible tube called an arthroscope. Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications.
What does recovery time entail?
Following ACL reconstruction surgery, patients undergo a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy to restore strength, range of motion, and function to the knee joint. Rehabilitation typically involves a progressive exercise programme designed to improve muscle strength and flexibility, enhance neuromuscular control, and optimise biomechanics of the knee joint.
