Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction
Ligament is a rope like structure connecting two bones together and provides stability to the joint. There are four main ligaments in the knee joint which connects femur (thigh bone) to tibia (leg bone). Two are on the sides known as medial and lateral collateral ligament and two inside the joint termed as anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.
Anterior Cruciate ligament is one of the most commonly injured ligaments. Anterior Cruciate ligament can get injured due to sudden jerk or impact to the knee joint. Anyone playing sports like football, basketball, cricket are prone for this injury. Patient develops pain and swelling Immediately after injury with difficulty in walking. Some patient may have feeling of instability or give way of knee joint. Your knee may get locked due to concomitant meniscus injury.
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is required in physically active patients. After reconstruction normal knee kinematics is restored. This allows patients to perform sports and other physical activities.
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction involves replacing torn ligament with a tendon graft. This is a day care procedure, where patients get discharged from the hospital on the same day. Mobilization starts immediately and patient can bear weight on the operated limb with some brace and walking support.
At knee hip and shoulder clinic we provide comprehensive management of ACL injury and its associated knee injuries. We take care of operative, physiotherapy and rehabilitative part of the procedure as per the international norms. We help you and put every effort to make your operative journey comfortable and successful.
FAQ
ACL arthroscopic surgery is less invasive surgery. In this damaged anterior cruciate ligament is repaired or reconstructed using minimal invasive arthroscopic approach. ACL arthroscopic surgery allows early recovery of patient, compared to conventional open surgical approach.
Patients usually start walking within a day or two after ACL surgery. Initially for a few days brace support is required, later one can walk without support. After approximately 2 weeks, walking can be started without support or crutches. Your recovery becomes early with the help of a proper rehabilitation programme and exercises guided by the physiotherapist.
If not repaired acute ACL injury may turn into chronic ACL deficiency. The ACL deficient knee may become unstable which may further damage other tissues inside the knee joint like cartilage and meniscus and later it can lead to osteoarthritis of knee joint.
ACL reconstruction is a day care surgery. Hospital stay required is one day at the most. After surgery exercises are started under the guidance of a physiotherapist and or as instructed by your surgeon to prevent stiffness in your knee.
Success rate of ACL surgery is 95% and it is safe surgery.
The procedure usually takes less than 2 hours.
The ACL cannot heal on its own because there is no blood supply to this ligament. Surgery is usually required for athletes because the ACL is needed in order to safely perform the sharp movements that are required in sports.
Nutrition and Diet Before ACL Surgery
We may suggest that you: Limit or stop using things such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the weeks leading to surgery. Take certain nutritional supplements — such as multivitamins, vitamin C, and zinc — before surgery. These help promote wound healing during post-op recovery.
Nutrition and Diet Before ACL Surgery
We may suggest that you: Limit or stop using things such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the weeks leading to surgery. Take certain nutritional supplements — such as multivitamins, vitamin C, and zinc — before surgery. These help promote wound healing during post-op recovery.
You can effectively start walking immediately after ACL surgery. Take as much weight as you feel is comfortable! Begin walking with 2 crutches, progress to 1 crutch and without crutches after about 1 to 2 weeks. Try to walk normally just like you did prior to your knee injury.
