ACL Reconstruction
ACL Reconstruction
The ACL reconstruction is a procedure that restores knee stability and strength following the injury to the ligament. You must remove the remnants of the torn tissue and replace them with another ligament or tissue from a donor.
The hinge joint at the knee is where the femur (or thighbone) meets the tibia (or shinbone). These four ligaments connect bones and hold this important joint together.
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
medial collateral ligament (MCL)
lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
The ACL runs diagonally from the femur to the tibia. It prevents the tibia’s slippage in front of your femur. It provides stability for the knee as it turns from side to side.
ACL Injuries
An ACL tear is a common injury to the knee, particularly for those who are involved in high-impact sports such as:
Basketball
Football
Soccer
skiing
Hockey
Most commonly, ACL injuries occur while an individual is exercising or playing in a sport. These injuries usually occur when your knee is locked and you suddenly pivot. This is when you suddenly turn your knee with your knee locked in place. It causes a torn or stretched ligament. Torn ACLs can also be caused by:
Quickly changing direction
Stopping abruptly
Running too fast? Slow down!
After a jump, landing incorrectly
Dr CL Steyn Top Cape Town Orthopaedic Specialist, Shoulder, Hip, and Knee Specialist…
Dr. Steyn is a skilled knee, hip, and shoulder specialist. Patients travel from all over South Africa just to get the benefit of his expertise and experience. This website is a resource to you. We will keep you informed pre-, during, and after the operation for a quick, painless, and successful recovery.
ACL Reconstruction: Why It Is Possible
ACL reconstruction is performed to repair a torn ACL, and to regain stability and movement to the knee. Although not all cases require surgery, people who are very active or have persistent pain may choose to undergo surgery.
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What is the best way to repair a torn ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament (or simply the ACL) is a crucial ligament in the knee that provides stability. This ligament can be strained or torn, which is the most common way we injure our knees. This type of injury can make it difficult to do everyday tasks, and may even render walking impossible. Many of our patients are seeking second opinions to determine if they need surgery to repair a torn ACL.
What is a torn ACL and how can it be repaired?
When you go for a run or play tennis with friends, you feel a popping sensation in your knee. The pain and swelling that follow will let you know something is wrong. You’ve likely injured your ACL.
An X is formed by the ACL and the PCL (posteriorcruciate ligament) on the inside of the knee joint. They prevent the knee from rotating too far, and the femur sliding backwards onto the tibia. A sprained ACL is when the ligament is torn or stretched. A first-degree ACL sprain refers to a torn ACL. A second-degree ACL sprain refers to a partially stretched ACL. A third-degree sprain is when the ligament is severed completely.
What are the signs that an ACL is torn?
A torn ACL is often first noticed by the above-mentioned popping sound. The next sign is sharp, intense knee pain. You may find it difficult to walk due to the pain. Another reason walking can be difficult is internal bleeding. This swelling can make it hard, or nearly impossible to bend your knee.
Recognizing the Signs of ACL Tear
When someone injures their ACLs, they often hear a popping sound. The swelling of the knee usually occurs within six hours after injury. It can be very severe. This condition can make it difficult to walk, turn, or twist your injured leg. Your knee will feel unstable and as though it is going to give way under you.
Description
General anesthesia is usually used right before surgery. This will make you feel relaxed and asleep. This surgery may also require other types of anesthesia such as regional or block anesthesia. Your body will provide the tissue necessary to replace the ACL damaged tissue. A donor is someone who has given all or part of their body to others after they have died.
An autograft is tissue taken from your body. Two of the most popular places to get tissue are the hamstring tendon and the knee cap tendon. Your hamstring is the muscle that lies behind your knee.
An allograft is tissue taken from a donor.
This procedure can be done with the aid of knee arthritis. A tiny camera is introduced into the knee via arthroscopy. This is done through a small surgical cut. The camera connects to the video monitor in an operating room. The camera will be used by your surgeon to examine the ligaments and other tissues in your knee. Other small cuts will be made around your knee by your surgeon to insert medical instruments. The surgeon will repair any other damage and replace your ACL using these steps:
You can remove the torn ligament with a razor or other instrument.
Your surgeon will make a bigger cut if your own tissue is being used for the new ACL. This is where the autograft can be removed.
To bring in the new tissue, your surgeon will create tunnels in your bone.
The new tissue will be located in the exact same spot as your ACL.
The surgeon will attach the ligament to the bone using screws or other devices. The bone tunnels will fill in as the ligament heals. This is what holds the new ligament in its place.
Your surgeon will close the wounds with stitches (stitches). After the surgery, you may be able view photos of the doctor’s views and the work performed during it.
How to Prepare For ACL Reconstruction
Before you go to the hospital, you will meet with your surgeon and doctor. Before surgery, you will meet with your surgeon and doctor to discuss your options. You’ll also have several knee exams. Finally, you will decide which type of anesthesia you want. It’s important that you ask questions during these meetings.
Talk to your doctor about where the tendon that has been surgically implanted will be coming from. These tendons are typically found in the following:
Patellar tendon: The tendon that connects your patella to your tibia, or the bottom of your kneecap.
Hamstring: The tendon connecting the muscles at the back of your leg and the backside of your knee is the tendon called the hamstring.
Quadriceps is a tendon that runs from the front of your thigh to the quadriceps. This type of graft should be reserved for patients who are taller or heavier, or those who have had unsuccessful grafts in the past.
A cadaver is tissue taken from a deceased body. This is what’s called an allograft
On your day of surgery:
You may be asked to refrain from drinking or eating for six to twelve hours prior to the procedure.
Take the drugs that you’ve been instructed to take and drink a little water.
The hospital will inform you when to arrive.
Following the Procedure
Most people can go home on the day of their surgery. For the first 1-4 weeks, you may need to wear a leg brace. For the first 1 to 4 weeks, you may also need crutches. After surgery , most people can move their knees. This can help to prevent stiffness. Your pain may require medication. Many people can regain their strength and motion in the knee with physical therapy. The therapy can last anywhere from 4 to 6 months. Depending on what type of work you do, how soon you can return to work will determine when you can resume work. It could take anywhere from a few days up to several months. It can take up to six months to fully return to sports and activities.
Outlook – Prognosis
After ACL reconstruction, most people will have a stable and solid knee. The development of better surgical techniques and rehabilitation has led to:
After surgery, there is less pain and stiffness
There are fewer complications after the surgery.
You will recover faster.
Knee Surgery
The knee, which is the largest and most complicated joint in your entire body, is . The knee connects the thigh bone, (femur), to the shinbone (tibia). The knee joint is also made up of the smaller bone running alongside the fibula (fibula), and the patella (knee).