
What Are The Benefits Of ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL injuries are common among active human beings, especially athletes. For a Grade 3 ACL injury, reconstruction surgery is the best medical intervention. This article discusses the surgery and its benefits in detail, covering other crucial aspects as well.
What Is ACL?
ACL, or Anterior Cruciate Ligament, is one of four ligaments in the knee. A ligament is a soft tissue band. It connects one bone to another. This connection stabilises a joint.
The ACL, to be more specific, connects the thigh bone to the shinbone, which are two major bones involved in the knee.
Other ligaments in the knee are PCL, MCL, and LCL, or Posterior Cruciate Ligament, Medial Collateral Ligament, and Lateral Collateral Ligament respectively.
What Is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
This is a surgical procedure in which a completely torn ACL is reconstructed.
A torn ACL is removed and a graft is placed in its place. A graft is a piece of tissue either taken from a patient’s body or any other human being.
A graft serves as a new ACL once placed in the affected knee through surgery.
The ACL reconstruction surgery is not highly invasive as it is performed arthroscopically. Arthroscopy is a keyhole surgery where the operation is carried out with minimal cuts or incisions. Typically, it involves two or three minor holes in the front of the affected knee.
To learn about the cost of this surgical procedure, visit the following link: ACL reconstruction surgery cost in India.
Why Do We Need ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
This reconstructive intervention is required when one has torn or damaged their ACL in the knee completely or severely.
ACL injuries are more prevalent among sports people. However, it can also occur during exercise and physical activities due to improper techniques.
ACL injuries are of three types, categorised on the scale of severity. In other words, according to the extent of the tear in the ligament, three categories are made. These grades or categories are Grade 1 Sprain, Grade 2 Sprain and Grade 3 Sprain.
- Grade 1 Sprain: Mild Stretch in ACL without Tearing
- Grade 2 Sprain: Partial Tear
- Grade 3 Sprain: Complete or Near Complete Tear
ACL reconstruction is inevitable when the ACL has sustained a Grade 3 Sprain.
Causes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
The following are the most common reasons for ACL tears:
- Cutting—slowing down and changing direction all of a sudden while running;
- Pivoting—turning your one leg with another foot firmly established on the ground;
- Awkward landing from jumps;
- Stopping suddenly;
- Mismanaged falls;
- Traumatic Events, i.e., direct blows or hits on the knee stretching ACL more than its capacity; and,
- Encountering collisions during sports engagements or otherwise.
Complications of ACL Injuries
If you ignore an ACL injury, the affected knee will degenerate and cause damage to other parts of the knee over time. Ultimately, the affected knee will experience symptoms of osteoarthritis earlier than normal.
Yet if the knee is not treated, it will start adversely impacting the other knee that is intact and healthy because the healthy knee will have to compensate for the damaged knee during activity.
Injuries to your knee, especially ones accompanied by popping or snapping sounds, might be related to ACL. Reach out to an orthopedic doctor immediately.
For the best first-aid treatment, stick to the R.I.C.E. technique.
Simply, rest; apply ice packs on the knee; compress the area with compression bands or bandages, and elevate the affected knee at some height at about the heart level while lying on the back. It will help reduce swelling and pain after injury.
If the pain and discomfort persist, ensure you meet with a knee specialist or an orthopedic doctor.
How Is an ACL Injury Diagnosed?
ACL injuries are discovered mainly with the help of an MRI test. However, an ultrasound can also be used. MRI and Ultrasound tests can show bone as well as soft-tissue-related injuries and abnormalities.
A doctor might also recommend an X-ray test to rule out the possibility of fractures.
Benefits of ACL Surgery
The advantages of ACL reconstruction surgery are immense. The major benefits are as follows.
Knee Function Restoration: A complete tear in the ACL makes the affected knee unstable. It is so because a ligament stabilises a joint. Thus, once a ligament is snapped completely, the affected knee gives way when used! So, the surgery restores function and allows one to live the same life as before the injury.
Permanent Relief from Pain: The surgery results in the elimination of pain forever. After the injury, a totally torn ACL is the root cause of the pain. The surgery reconstructs the ligament and the inflammation is cured!
Prevention of Further Knee Damage and Complications: If a completely torn ACL isn’t treated on time, it will impact other parts of the knee like articular cartilage, meniscus, bursa, other ligaments, tendons, etc., negatively, leading to early degeneration and giving rise to osteoarthritis. It will ultimately culminate in permanent knee pain.
So, one of the key beneficial aspects of the surgery is that it prevents further knee damage.
Fast Recovery: ACL reconstruction surgery is minimally invasive. This procedure is performed through arthroscopy. The surgeon will only make a few small incisions/holes on the affected knee to rebuild the torn ligament with a piece of graft tissue.
Thus, minimal invasion leads to fewer complications and faster recovery.
How to Prevent ACL Injuries
An athlete must take care of the knee more than a normal person. Consider these preventative measures. Ensuring these factors might decrease the risk of ACL injuries while participating in sports activities.
- Pay attention to core strengthening.
- Strengthen your leg muscles.
- Learn proper techniques while jumping or landing from jumps.
- Learn safe ways of pivoting and cutting moves.
- Don’t forget to wear protective gear.
If you have injured your knee while engaging in sports, immediately consult an orthopedic doctor. You might have sustained an ACL injury. Early detection means fewer complications and faster recovery.
To book your consultation with the specialist, visit the following link: the best arthroscopic surgeon in Delhi.
Conclusion
ACL reconstruction surgery is performed to treat a completely torn ACL. It is done arthroscopically with the help of a graft. This surgery helps restore knee function and eliminate pain, helping the affected patient to rehabilitate.