ACL Reconstruction
Department
ACL Reconstruction
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring stability and function to the knee joint following an ACL tear, a common sports-related injury. Treatment involves several steps to alleviate pain, restore knee stability, and facilitate rehabilitation.
Surgical Procedure:
- Graft Selection: The torn ACL is replaced with a graft, which can be an autograft (using the patient’s own tissue, such as the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or quadriceps tendon) or an allograft (using donor tissue).
- Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive technique involves making small incisions through which a camera and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon removes the remnants of the torn ACL and drills tunnels in the bone to secure the graft.
- Graft Fixation: The graft is positioned and fixed in place using screws or other fixation devices, allowing it to integrate with the bone over time.
Post-Operative Care:
- Pain Management: Medications are prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation, facilitating early rehabilitation.
- Immobilization: Initially, the knee may be immobilized with a brace or splint to protect the surgical site.
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation begins soon after surgery to restore range of motion, strength, and stability. Initially, therapy focuses on gentle movements and reducing swelling, progressing to more challenging exercises over time.
- Gradual Return to Activity: The patient gradually returns to activities and sports under the guidance of a physical therapist or sports medicine professional, typically starting around 6-9 months post-surgery.