What You Should Know About ACL Reconstruction

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that replaces the anterior cruciate ligament, which is located in the knee. This procedure requires the removal of the damaged ligament, but it can also preserve it before the reconstruction. Reconstruction is done using tissue grafts. The reconstructed ligament is attached to the knee's bone and tendons with the help of an implant. After the ACL has been replaced, the knee is no longer swollen or painful.

Reconstruction is a major procedure. During the surgery, the surgeon creates two holes through the bone. One hole is in the bone below the knee, while the other is located above it. A surgeon will then drill the holes and insert the new ACL. The graft will act as a bridge for the new ligament to grow. Once inserted into the bone, the implant will be anchored with screws. This new ligament will take months to fully heal, but you should be able to do light ball work and strenuous activities after the surgery.

While there is no specific timeline for ACL reconstruction in Brisbane, patients should be aware of the risks. While undergoing surgery, it's important to keep in mind that the recovery process is a gradual one, and the goal for each phase is to speed up the patient's recovery. ACL surgeries may result in more scarring than an open knee procedure, but the results of a successful procedure are well worth the time. These procedures are a good option for high-risk athletes.

An arthroscope is used to observe the anatomy around the injured joint. The surgeon then inserts an arthroscope, which is a camera that sends images back to a monitor. After the procedure, the surgeon uses a saline solution to expand the space around the joint. The patient should limit his or her physical activity for a few weeks to protect the new ligament. This is an essential step in the rehabilitation of an ACL.

ACL reconstruction has two types of procedures. An autograft uses a tendon from a different part of the body. An allograft uses tissue from a deceased donor, while an allograft uses tissue from an organ that is not a human. The procedure will require physical therapy and follow-up appointments with a doctor. ACLs are typically repaired with a graft that is attached to a new bone.

After the operation, the patient should not bear any weight on the leg for a week. If the injury is minor, patients can return to their jobs within a week. The process may take up to two hours. During the first week, patients should avoid putting weight on their leg. Once the graft is in place, the patient can start exercising immediately. After the surgery, he or she may use a crutch to walk and use crutches.

ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that stabilizes the knee. While most patients benefit from the surgery, some individuals can function without a reconstructed ACL. It is important to remember that a patient does not "need" an ACL reconstruction, but should consider the benefits of this surgery for their health and lifestyle. If you do need the procedure, however, it will be necessary to follow physical therapy for a full recovery.

The recovery time after an ACL reconstruction is longer than a normal recovery period. Depending on the severity of the injury, you will be able to return to strenuous activity within six to nine months. If you are not able to walk for a couple of weeks, a surgical procedure might not be right for you. You may feel stiff after the surgery, but this will go away after a few weeks. The process is also less invasive than other surgeries, and the patient can often return to sports sooner.

In cases of a torn ACL, an autograft or allograft from a cadaver is used to repair it. These two types of grafts do not have the same characteristics as an autograft, and the results of the procedure vary significantly. The patient will need to wear a brace for a few weeks after the surgery. The process will take between six to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and the level of physical therapy.

Queensland Orthopaedic Clinic is a group of like-minded, sub-specialist trained medical professionals providing personalised patient care.