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What is ACL reconstruction surgery? How do you recover after the surgery?

Goficure - Blog Page - What is ACL reconstruction surgery? How do you recover after the surgery? (Blog Post) Last Updated April 2, 2024

Overview

The need for ACL reconstruction surgery depends on the symptoms of ACL tear and the extent of the injury.

An anterior cruciate ligament or ACL may be partially or completely torn. A partial ACL tear may heal with physical therapy, home treatment, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications without having surgery.

A completely torn ACL does not heal on its own and you may experience knee instability, pain, and swelling. Conservative treatments may not be able to completely heal the ACL injury. Returning to work and activities without an intact ACL increases the chances of tearing the meniscus. A torn meniscus further increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future.

When do you need an ACL tear reconstruction surgery?

An ACL tear reconstruction surgery is usually scheduled within 3-6 weeks post-injury. The doctor generally waits for the swelling to subside before the surgery otherwise it may lead to severe scarring or arthrofibrosis. You must also wait and allow your full range of motion to return before surgery. Recovery is difficult if the full range of motion does not return before surgery.

Factors to consider before undergoing an ACL reconstruction surgery:

  • Whether you perform strenuous manual work or want to return to active sports
  • Your age. Children and adolescents are not good candidates for surgery because a reconstruction surgery may cause growth problems or growth plate injury
  • If there is significant instability
  • There are combined injuries that have damaged the meniscus, collateral ligaments, articular cartilage, or a combination of injuries.
  • There is significant pain

A delayed ACL tear reconstruction surgery reduces the chances of full recovery and increases the risks of developing other knee problems in the long term.

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What is an ACL reconstruction surgery?

An ACL reconstruction surgery replaces the torn ligament with a new ACL by grafting a new tissue.

The reconstruction surgery takes place in three steps:

Diagnostic arthroscopy

A diagnostic arthroscopy is performed to look at the injured ACL, assess the damage, and make a plan to harvest a matching tissue graft for replacement.

Harvesting the graft

The amount of tissue to be removed depends on the injury and the anatomy of the patient.

The new tissue graft can be procured from two sources:

  • From your tendon preferably from the kneecap, hamstring, or front thigh
  • An allograft (from a human donor)

The surgeon makes small incisions and surgical instruments to collect the tissue graft.

ACL tear reconstruction surgery

An ACL reconstruction surgery is an ambulatory procedure and patients can go home the same day.

During the surgery, the surgeon will:

  • Perform a final examination of the knee to inspect the torn ACL and other knee ligaments
  • Mark areas to repair the ACL
  • After collecting the graft, the surgeon will drill holes and make bone tunnels on the thighbone and the shinbone to insert the arthroscope and other surgical devices
  • The surgeon will examine the other ligaments and repair any cartilage injuries or torn meniscus before removing the torn ACL
  • The new ACL graft is placed and fixed with fastening devices like screws and buttons
  • The incisions are then closed and dressing is applied
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How do you recover after the surgery?

Following an ACL reconstruction surgery, recovery may take 6 to 9 months until you can return to physical activity or sports.

You have to wear knee braces and use crutches for walking for a few weeks. Soon you will start the rehabilitation program to gain strength and stability and to restore your full range of motion.

Keep the wound site clean and dry. Prescription pain medicine will be given for pain. Apply ice and anti-inflammatory medicines for knee swelling.

Keep your leg elevated. Put pillows under the heel while you are resting or in bed.

You can return to active sports and heavy physical work within 6-12 months once there are:

  • No pain or swelling
  • Full range of motion is restored
  • Legs are fully functional
  • There is no leg instability
  • Strength, endurance, and control of the leg is fully restored

Stop your suffering NOW

Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.

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Final words

After an ACL reconstruction surgery, you can successfully resume your normal life without any complications. Some people prefer to wear a functional brace for support during sports or practice. It is important to take adequate rest for complete recovery. ACL tear surgery recovery time depends on the type of surgery and the extent of reconstruction. Follow your rehabilitation plan as instructed by your doctor to avoid postoperative complications.

Dos
  • Follow the rehabilitation plan
  • Use crutches for support
  • Wear a knee brace to stabilize the knee
Don'ts
  • Bear weight on the affected knee
  • Avoid physical therapy
  • Take part in active movements

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