ACL injury
ACL Reconstruction is surgery to replace a torn anterior cruciate (ACL) ligament in the knee joint. ACL injuries most commonly occur among those who play sports involving sudden stops and changes in direction quickly. While playing they make movements that can put a lot of stress on the knee in some cases, ACL gets damaged termed as ACL tear or ligament tear.
Since ligaments in our body are the tissues which attach one bone to another bone, similarly the ACL holds the bones of the knee joint helping to keep the joint stable.
In case of partial or slight tear of Anterior cruciate ligament Physiotherapy may help heal the injury but in case of complete tear the ligament is supposed to be replaced or reconstructed by Orthopedic Surgeon..
The purpose of ACL reconstruction surgery is to restore stability of the injured knee.
ACL surgery typically involves reconstructing the ligament using a graft and is done using a minimally invasive, arthroscopic approach.
Why it’s done
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament as mentioned above is one of the two ligaments that crosses the middle of the knee joint connecting thigh bone to shinbone and helps stabilize the knee joint.
ACL reconstruction is recommended usually in the following cases:
- Patient is an athlete who wants to continue in sport
- More than one ligament has been injured
- Meniscus tear that requires repair
- The injury is limiting everyday activities
- Physiotherapy has not provided relief
- Pain on the outside and back of the knee.
- Knee swelling within the first few hours of the injury.
- Limited knee movement because of swelling and/or pain.
- Loss of full range of motion.
- Discomfort while walking.