ACL Reconstruction

Why might I need anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

You might need to undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction if you experience a serious knee injury that ruptures the ligament.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of your main knee ligaments. Tears or sprains of the anterior cruciate ligament are commonly known as ACL injuries and are most likely to affect athletes who compete in activities like soccer, long jump, and other sports that involve sudden stops.

However, anybody could experience an anterior cruciate ligament injury, so it's important to visit Silicon Valley Orthopaedics for an accurate diagnosis.

When might I need anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

Several factors make ACL reconstruction more likely. If you're an athlete whose sport requires movements like jumping and pivoting or you're generally very active, ACL reconstruction restores full function.

ACL surgery might be necessary if you've injured another ligament as well as the ACL. You might also need surgery if you have a torn meniscus that needs repairing, or your knee is buckling during everyday activities.

What does anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction involve?

The Silicon Valley Orthopaedics team typically uses general anesthesia for ACL reconstruction, so you'll be asleep during the operation. Your surgeon is likely to perform ACL reconstruction through small incisions using a laparoscope — a thin tube that has a small camera on one end.

The laparoscope fits into one incision, and your surgeon passes the instruments they need through another. They use the images from the laparoscope to guide them while they reconstruct your anterior cruciate ligament.

After removing the damaged ligament, your surgeon replaces it with a piece of tendon. The tendon graft comes from somewhere else in your knee or from a donor. Your surgeon then positions the graft.

To secure the graft, your surgeon uses screws or other devices to attach the tendon to the bones. The graft acts as a support for new ligament tissue to grow.

How long does recovery take after ACL reconstruction?

After recovering from the anesthesia, you can go home, but first, you need to practice using crutches. Your surgeon at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics might also want you to wear a brace or splint.

For successful ACL reconstruction, you need to commit to your physical therapy program. If you do, your knee stability and function should return to normal.

Recovery takes an average of nine months, although athletes may have to wait 12 months or longer to return to full fitness.

To find out more about advanced anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics, call the office or book an appointment online today.