Things People Should Know About ACL Surgery

The ACL, i.e., anterior cruciate ligament, is one of a set of cruciate ligaments (the posterior cruciate ligament is the other) in a person’s knee. These two ligaments are also called cruciform since they are arranged in an intersected formation. An ACL tear can be a severe and often debilitating injury. Most patients experiencing an ACL tear are nervous about the prospect of facing surgery and have many questions. We offer answers to some of those questions in this blog. Contact and schedule a consultation with Our Expert Surgeon, Dr. Nataraj H M, And Get the Best consultation about ACL.

Is it Possible to Avoid ACL Rebuild Surgery?

ACL tears do not heal properly on their own. However, there are instances where non-surgical treatment options can be the right alternative for some patients. Your doctor recommends that the elderly or less active can often choose a rehabilitation program rather than surgery.

Who is the Right Candidate to consider ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

This form of treatment is considered ideal for active patients. For instance, athletes, especially those participating in sporting activities, require pivoting. ACL reconstruction surgery might be a viable option after you have completed a rehabilitation program. However, you are still encountering knee instability or if you have injured more than one knee ligament.

Which Type of ACL Reconstruction Surgery is Suitable?

There are various options for ACL reconstructive surgeries. ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with a ligament from another source. This can be obtained using a donor ligament from a tissue bank or portions of the patient’s tissue. The most common options are the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or, more rarely, the quadriceps tendon.

Despite the availability of many ACL reconstruction surgery options, ACL surgeons believe that the graft choice should be customized for each patient. The specifics of the injury will determine the most appropriate graft, the type of graft, and the age and size of the patient.

How Long Will It Take to Recover After Undergoing ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

According to Jeffrey Halbrecht, an orthopedic doctor in the Bay Area, the recovery period varies from one person to the other; the average recovery time for ACL reconstruction surgery IS 6-9 months. If you are a patient, you must commit to a proper rehabilitation program to ensure total recovery.

If you are an athlete, the last stage of your recovery will involve performing sport-specific exercises.

Bottom Line

ACL reconstruction surgery aims to restore stability to the knee and return the patient to the level of function they were at before the tear. ACL injury can cause serious consequences for mobility and function and even damage and degeneration to other structures if left untreated.

Are you seeking a consultation with an excellent San Francisco Bay Area orthopedic surgeon?

Contact and schedule a consultation with Our Expert Surgeon, Dr. Nataraj H M, And Get the Best Treatment For arthroscopic surgery. He can help you return to the activities you love as quickly as possible.