DNV GL/NIAHO Accredited facility.
Your body’s physical structure is comprised of numerous components such as muscles, bones, nerves, and soft tissues. Ligaments are soft tissues connecting bones. One such critical feature is known as the ACL, which is an acronym for the anterior cruciate ligament.
ACL Overview
The ACL is a significant ligament situated in the middle of your knee. The piece of tissue not only connects important bones but plays an integral role in ensuring your knee maintains an optimal level of strength and stability.
Ligaments like the ACL are typically strong and flexible. However, overuse or acute injury could result in damages like sprains. During said occurrences, ligaments experience tears. In severe presentations, said features rupture and may be pulled away from once attached bones.
Moderate to severe ACL sprains might necessitate the need for a surgical procedure called ACL reconstruction.
ACL Reconstruction
The Procedure
During this operation, orthopedic surgeons remove the portion of the fouled tendon and replace said tissue with a segment of tendon taken from another part of your body. Typically, said tissues come from another part of your knee. However, in certain instances, it might come from a donor. The new tendon is medically known as a graft.
Once the graft is positioned, surgeons then affix said structure to your thighbone and shinbone using metal devices like screws. The inserted graft enables ligament tissue to eventually regenerate. In most cases, surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and you can return home the same day.
Preparation
Before undergoing this procedure, you should expect to undergo physical therapy. These exercises are prescribed to ensure your knee is strong, has optimal mobility, and is surrounded by sturdy muscles. Such attributes help you recover from the procedure with greater expediency. Your doctor might instruct you to refrain from taking certain medications or alter dosage of said drugs in the days leading up to the operation.
Recovery
Following the procedure, you should expect to walk using crutches and wear a knee brace geared towards protecting the grafted ligament for several weeks. Your doctor will also give documented instructions regarding showering, changing the bandages surrounding the wound, and keeping said sores safeguarded against infection. You should also expect to undergo a period of physical therapy designed to help restrengthen knee muscles.
Everyone heals at a different rate. However, orthopedic specialists maintain that the average patient will gradually begin regaining strength and mobility within several weeks after the intervention and fully recovery in anywhere from eight to 12 months.
Reasons ACL Would Be Necessary
ACL tears are common in athletes engaging in sports requiring repetitive, sudden, awkward, and sometimes quite forceful knee movements. However, said occurrence might also be seen if you are involved in any type of incident causing the knee to turn quickly, strangely, or vigorously.
Orthopedic surgeons typically recommend the procedure if you are an athlete, ligament damage is extensive, other knee injuries exist, you are of a relatively young age, and if the injury’s associated physical manifestations precipitate extensive pain or disability.
Contacting Us
If you require knee surgery in Richardson TX or neighboring regions, please consult with the professional team at Eminent Medical. We are a renowned, state-of-the-art medical facility employing skilled surgeons possessing a dearth of experience performing ACL tears.
Contact Eminent Medical Center at Any Time
If you’re searching for premier medical treatment in Richardson, Eminent Medical Center wants to deliver for you. Call our genial and qualified staff today to get more information about all of the services we offer. If you have any questions, we’re accessible to chat with you. Contact us today!
