ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT SURGERY

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) SURGERY

Anterior cruciate ligament or ACL surgery is an operation that consists of grafting a new ligament in place of the ruptured ligament, coming from another part of the body, such as the third of the patellar tendon or the hamstrings.

The intervention is generally carried out by arthroscopy, and leaves small scars around the knee.

The objective is to restore the anterior stability of the knee. Although the recovery time is significant, the operation is worth it and the effects are very often beneficial.

A ruptured ACL is one of the most common sports injuries. It usually occurs during sports activities such as football, handball or skiing. The ACL can tear during sudden movements and once it is damaged it is difficult to continue playing sports.
Many patients who are not very active may choose not to have surgery if the injury does not affect daily life. Patients should be aware that choosing not to have surgery to repair the tear can sometimes lead to further damage to the knee. However, surgery is recommended for active patients or in cases where the tear is affecting quality of life.
Age, lifestyle, athletic level and knee stability are important factors to consider when deciding to undergo surgery.

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) SURGERY: BEFORE THE SURGERY

Anterior cruciate ligament or ACL surgery is an operation that consists of grafting a new ligament in place of the ruptured ligament, coming from another part of the body, such as the third of the patellar tendon or the hamstrings.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE FOR A RUPTURED ACL

Anterior cruciate ligament or ACL surgery is an operation that consists of grafting a new ligament in place of the ruptured ligament, coming from another part of the body, such as the third of the patellar tendon or the hamstrings.

The intervention is generally carried out by arthroscopy, and leaves small scars around the knee.

The objective is to restore the anterior stability of the knee. Although the recovery time is significant, the operation is worth it and the effects are very often beneficial.

A ruptured ACL is one of the most common sports injuries. It usually occurs during sports activities such as football, handball or skiing. The ACL can tear during sudden movements and once it is damaged it is difficult to continue playing sports.
Many patients who are not very active may choose not to have surgery if the injury does not affect daily life. Patients should be aware that choosing not to have surgery to repair the tear can sometimes lead to further damage to the knee. However, surgery is recommended for active patients or in cases where the tear is affecting quality of life.
Age, lifestyle, athletic level and knee stability are important factors to consider when deciding to undergo surgery.

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) SURGERY: AFTER THE TREATMENT

Postoperatively, the knee is painful and swollen for a few days.

You should keep the incisions clean and dry by changing the dressings every other day.

It is important that patients undergo rehabilitation for 4 to 6 months after the operation in order to recover good mobility of the knee and suitable strength of the muscles of the lower limb.

In the 3 months following the operation, patients should not do any other physical exercise than those for rehabilitation.

 

Sports practice will only be restarted after a minimum period of 6 months.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) SURGERY

Possible complications: Numbness, infection, phlebitis.