What to Expect During ACL Surgery and How It Restores Knee Function

What to Expect During ACL Surgery and How It Restores Knee Function

What to Expect During ACL Surgery and How It Restores Knee Function

If you are suffering from a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), you might want to know about ACL surgery and how it will provide benefits in recovery. ACL is a ligament that is present in the knee and helps in providing stability while moving, and injury can impact your walking, running, or participating in sports ability. Here, in this blog, we will tell you about the surgery process, the recovery journey, and how it helps in restoring knee functionality.

Surgery Preparation

Before starting with the ACL surgery, the doctor checks the condition of the injury with the help of tests like MRI or X-ray.  The pre-preparation for the ACL surgery includes physical therapy, improving range of motion, and strengthening surrounding muscles. This preparation before the ACL surgery helps in providing better results and recovery.

You will also discuss the type of graft that is going to be used for the reconstruction process. Common graft options include:

Autograft: In this tissues are taken from your  body, such as the hamstring or patellar tendon

Allograft: In this tissue are taken from the donor.

Your surgeon will advise about the best option which depends on your level of activity, age, preferences, and other factors.

During Surgery

ACL surgery is done arthroscopically, which is minimally invasive and involves small incisions. Process of the surgery:

Anesthesia: Surgeons give you general or spinal anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the surgery.

Arthroscopic Examination: A small camera is used to examine the damage by inserting it into the knee.

Torn ACL Removal: In this the affected ligament is carefully removed.

Graft Placement: The selected type of graft is carefully placed to replace the torn ligament.

Fixation: Screws or other devices help in securing the graft properly, which allows it to integrate with your bone.

The surgery needs 2 hours of time, and most of the patients suffering from ACL issues get discharged the same day after the surgery.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Post-surgery requires patience and proper commitment to the plan for effective recovery.

You can expect:

Immediate Post-Surgery:

  • You will see swelling and discomfort, which can be handled with proper medications and the use of ice packs.

  • Braces or crutches also help protect joints and promote mobility.

Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy after ACL surgery begins shortly and it is very important in providing strength, flexibility, and stability.

This starts with exercises that require gentle range-of-motion

Period:

  • First 2 weeks: Focus on reducing your swelling and regaining your basic movement.

  • 6 weeks:  in this period you will see Gradual improvements in your strength and stability.

  • 3-6 months:  during this period of time,  you can continue your recovery journey with light and low-impact activities or sports.

  • 6-12 months:  you will see complete recovery in this time period and you can also begin high-impact sports which can depend on your progress.

How ACL Surgery Restores Knee

The final goal of ACL surgery is to restore the knee’s stability and functionality. An ACL surgery allows you to:

  • Regaining confidence while doing movements.

  • Preventing further damage to the knee, such as cartilage wear or additional ligament injuries.

  • Returning to daily activities, and sports,  with improved stability and strength.

  • Advanced surgical techniques in the rehabilitation process have improved success rates, with most patients continuing their daily activities which they were performing before injury.

Conclusion

ACL surgery requires proper effort and dedication for better results and the efforts done change the life. Following your surgeon’s advice and strict physical therapy can help in regaining knee strength, and stability, and also help in returning to the activities.

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