ACL injuries are frequent among athletes and those who play sports. The ACL is an essential ligament that is located inside the knee joint. It is responsible to provide stability and support actions like pivoting, jumping, and sudden directional changes. Unfortunately, due to its poor healing potential, ACL Reconstruction or surgery is often required to restore full knee function after a tear.
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You can make informed decisions even if you’ve suffered an ACL injury.
The ACL’s role and the reason Reconstruction is frequently required
The ACL connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) as well as playing an important function in stabilizing knee joints during motion. If the ACL is damaged it may be caused by a twisting motion and landing in an awkward position, or even a high-impact sports. The instability of the joint. ACL tears are characterised by swelling, pain and a feeling that your knee is “giving out”.
ACL injuries do not heal themselves and, while they may heal through rest or rehabilitation in some cases surgical intervention is typically the most appropriate option. ACL surgery typically involves the repair of the ACL in rare cases, or rehabilitating it using an ossiture-graft.
What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction is the process of replacing the injured ligament with a graft. The graft is sourced from the body of the patient (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). The quadriceps tendon and the patellar (BTB) are two of most commonly utilized grafts. Each of these grafts comes with unique benefits:
Quadriceps Tendon: This graft is renowned for its strength and lack of donor-site complications. It offers stability for athletes returning from high-impact sports.
Patellar Tendon BTB (BTB) is often referred to as the “gold standard”, this graft offers the highest level of stability to patients who need it.
Dr. Burnham has extensive experience as a fellowship trained ACL surgeon. He has performed extensive research to determine the most suitable graft solution for knee stability and durability. There are also a few long-term side effects.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
Historically, ACL reconstruction techniques put the graft in a non-anatomic position, i.e. it didn’t precisely align with the natural position of the ligament. This could lead to poor results, such as lower stability and a greater risk of re-injury. Recent advances in imaging technology, surgical research, and many other aspects have changed the way ACL reconstructions are carried out.
ACL surgeons, like Dr. Burnham today, use sophisticated techniques to put the new ACL in exactly the same position where the first ACL was. This anatomical placement aligns the new ligament with the knee’s normal mechanics and improves the stability and function of the knee. The benefits of this technique include:
Reduced risk of re-injury
Better long-term knee health
Lower likelihood of developing arthritis
How to Measure the Size of Grafts With Precision
ACL reconstruction’s success is contingent on the size and shape of the ACL graft. With MRI imaging combined with direct surgical observation, the surgeon is able customize the graft to fit each person. A graft that’s small might not be stable enough, while a graft which is too large could cause problems. ACL surgeons tailor the procedure to each patient to ensure optimal the healing process and function.
Why should you select a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon?
The expertise of your surgeon plays an important aspect in the success or failure of your ACL surgery. Fellow-trained ACL Surgeons such as Dr. Burnham have extensive experience and are trained to treat complex knee injuries. The sophisticated surgical techniques they employ assure that every patient receives customized treatment, leading to better outcomes.
Long-Term and Recovery Benefits
If they are properly treated, those who have undergone ACL reconstruction are able to return to their regular levels of activity gradually. Physical therapy is a crucial element of recovery. It is a great way to build up the muscles around them, and help to restore range-of-motion.
Because of advances in ACL surgery, patients are now experiencing more long-term benefits, such as less re-injury rates and improved knee stability. Modern ACL techniques are an excellent alternative for anyone looking to get back on the field, or regain an active life.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction has become a vast cry from what it used to be, due in part to research, modern technology and specially trained ACL specialists like Dr. Burnham. Modern surgical techniques focus on accuracy, precision, and customized care, giving patients the highest chance of a successful and long-term healing.
Talk to with an ACL surgeon if you have an ACL injury. They can guide you through the options available to achieve the best possible outcome.
