ACL injuries are common among athletes as well as people who participate in sports. The ACL is a crucial ligament in the knee joint. It is responsible to provide stability and support moves like jumping, pivoting, and sudden directional changes. ACL reconstruction and surgery are often needed in order to restore knee function after the injury because of the fact that it is not able to heal.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an ACL injury, understanding the procedure for ACL reconstruction and the role of an experienced ACL surgeon, and advancements in surgical techniques can help make informed choices about your treatment.
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The role of the ACL as well as why Reconstruction is often necessary
The ACL connects femur, (thighbone), to tibia, (shinbone). It is crucial in stabilizing the knee joint as it moves. The stability of the knee is significantly affected when the ACL is damaged, whether due to a sudden change and landing in a awkward manner or high-impact sports. ACL tears are marked by pain, swelling as well as the feeling the knee feels like it’s “giving away”.
ACL injuries don’t heal themselves however, they do heal with rest or rehabilitation in certain instances surgical intervention is typically the best solution. ACL surgery is a procedure that involves rebuilding the ACL with a graft or repairing it in rare circumstances.
What exactly is ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction involves replacing the injured ligament with a graft. The graft can be sourced from either the body of the patient (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). Two of the most commonly utilized grafts are the quadriceps tendon, and the patellar tendon (BTB). Each of these types of grafts comes with unique advantages.
Quadriceps Tendon known for its strong strength and no donor site complications, this graft is dependable and stable, especially for athletes returning to sports that require high impact.
Patellar Tendon (BTB): It is often referred to as the “gold standard” in ACL reconstruction, this graft is suitable for people who require maximum stability.
Dr. Burnham, a fellowship-trained ACL Surgeon, has conducted extensive research on these graft options, showing excellent outcomes in terms of knee stability, durability, and minimal long-term complications.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
In the past, ACL reconstruction techniques put the graft in a non-anatomic position, which meant it didn’t align precisely with the original ligament’s natural location. This usually led to lower than optimal results, such as decreased stability and a higher risk of injury recurrence. However, recent advances in imaging technology and surgical research have transformed the way ACL reconstruction is carried out.
ACL surgeons of the present, like Dr. Burnham, use advanced techniques to replace the ACL exactly where it used to be. This is anatomically positioned to ensure greater alignment with the knee’s normal mechanics, resulting in a better function and stability. The advantages of this precise positioning include:
Lowering the chance of injury re-injury
Better long-term knee health
Lower likelihood of developing arthritis
Precision Matters: What is the Importance of Graft Sizing
ACL reconstruction’s success relies on the size and shape of the ACL graft. Utilizing MRI imaging, in conjunction with direct surgical observations, the surgeon is able to make the graft specific to each person. A graft that’s too small may not be able to withstand the strain, while a graft which is too large could cause problems. ACL surgeons tailor the procedure to each patient to improve the healing process and functionality.
Why should you select a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon?
The experience of your surgeon is crucial for your ACL operation. Fellowship-trained ACL surgeons, like Dr. Burnham, have specialized training and extensive experience in treating knee injuries with a high degree of complexity. Their expertise in modern surgical techniques ensures that each patient receives personalized care which results in better outcomes.
Recovery and Long-Term Benefits
After proper rehabilitation, patients who have had ACL reconstruction are able to return to their regular activity level gradually. Physical therapy is an essential part of recovery. It can help strengthen the muscles surrounding them and restore range-of-motion.
ACL surgery has gotten better through the years, which results in better long-term outcomes, like a lower risk of re-injury, and increased knee stability. Modern ACL techniques are a great option for those who want to return to the field, or regain an active lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction has become a vast different from what it was in the past thanks to the advancement of research, modern technology, and specially trained ACL specialists such as Dr. Burnham. Modern surgical techniques emphasize precision, advanced imaging and personalized care to give patients the highest chance of the best long-term and successful healing.
Talk to an ACL surgeon if you’ve suffered an ACL injury. They will guide you through the various options for the best result.