According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, ACL injuries are the most common knee injuries. Approximately 200,000 Americans undergo knee ACL reconstruction each year. In ACL reconstruction surgery, a graft of tissue is used to replace your damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and it is obtained from a donor or a cadaver. The new ligament will help ensure stability and prevent further injury to the knee joint.

What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

An ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a ligament in the knee that stabilizes it after an injury. It is one of the main stabilizing ligaments in the knee and helps prevent hyperextension of the joint and rotation of the tibia on the femur.

The ACL normally works with two other structures of the knee: the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) and MCL (medial collateral ligament). The MCL works with the ACL to prevent varus and valgus movement, which can cause buckling. ACL reconstruction surgery or ACL repair is a procedure to replace the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee with a graft.

The surgeon uses a graft from one of your other tendons or a cadaver. The graft is sewn into place to restore the stability and alignment of your knee joint.

ACL reconstruction surgery was first performed in 1968, and it has been performed more than 100,000 times in the United States since then.

Why do people need ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

When people hear the phrase “knee replacement surgery,” they often imagine a 55-year-old man who has worn out his knees from years of working on his feet. In spite of the fact that many knee replacements are performed on patients of this age group, knee replacement surgery is not only performed on elderly patients; it is also performed on younger patients who have suffered an injury and require surgery to replace their damaged knee joints.

ACL reconstruction surgery involves using parts of a patient’s tissue to reconstruct (or reattach) the anterior cruciate ligament.

An ACL tear can be caused by twisting or pivoting sports such as basketball and soccer but can be caused by a variety of other activities. The knee will bend abnormally forward or give way when the ACL tears.

What are the risks and benefits of ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

Benefits: It is the best option for people seeking a return to physical activities. Without surgery, there’s a high risk of future damage to the knee, and more extensive knee surgery will likely be necessary at some point, resulting in increased pain, decreased function, and more.

Risks: Like many serious medical interventions, ACL reconstruction is not risk-free. Notable risks include:

• Bleeding and blood clotting
• Knee pain regularly
• Transmissible diseases from a cadaveric graft
• the knee becomes stiff for a few days
• Improper healing if your immune system rejects the graft

Children who have torn their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) face the risk of growth plate injuries, which could shorten bones in the arms and legs later on. This risk is particularly high when ACL surgery must be delayed until the child grows. The doctor will carefully evaluate the potential negative effects that a growth plate injury can have on bone length when deciding whether or not to postpone surgery until your child’s body has fully matured.

After ACL surgery: How long is the recovery process?

After any major surgery, there’s always a recovery period that can take anywhere from six weeks to six months. Even after your doctor gives you the okay to get back on your feet, it’s important to give your knee plenty of time to heal.

You may be surprised by what you can and cannot do during that recovery period. It’s recommended that you refrain from jumping, squatting, twisting, or bending your knee, and these things put an extra amount of stress on the joint while trying to repair itself.

Conclusion

The ACL is a complex knee structure and helps with stability, flexion, and extension. It can be injured in many ways, from a simple twist to more serious contact injuries. If you or someone you know is thinking about having ACL surgery, make sure to contact Dr. Vinay Tantuway. He has extensive experience with this procedure and can help patients of all ages recover from the operation and get back to a fully active life.