Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) can get torn when you put excess pressure on your knee or practice sudden twisting, stretching, and other movements of the knee. The level of tear determines whether or not you will need reconstruction surgery.
A slight tear in the ACL can heal itself over time. A complete tear, however, requires a replacement procedure. If you’ve severely twisted your knee or heard a popping sound while moving your knee joint, see an ACL surgeon in Mulund, Mumbai, immediately.
Traditional ACL Surgery
A traditional or open ACL surgery involves a large incision on the knee to position the graft. The graft is taken either from the patient’s own body or from a donor. Your surgeon will remove the damaged part of the ligament and screw the new graft in place. They will staple the incision and put a bandage on your knee.
The recovery may take longer than arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery. You can expect the physical therapy to start right away. However, you must limit physical activity, especially exercises and sports that put pressure on your knee. The complete recovery can take 6-12 months.
Since open ACL reconstruction involves larger cuts, there’s a risk of infection, swelling, pain, and scarring around the incision.
1) Arthroscopic ACL Surgery
A less-invasive alternative to open knee surgery is arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, a procedure that involves a few small cuts around the knee. Your doctor then inserts a camera and other small instruments to get a clear view of the torn ACL.
They will draw two holes, called tunnels, that will hold the graft in place. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and most people can go home on the same day. You’ll have to wear the brace to protect your joint from injury.
Smaller incisions and less tissue trauma make arthroscopic ACL reconstruction a better and safer alternative to its traditional counterpart. Recovery is also quite speedy.
2) Revision ACL Surgery
Sometimes, ACL reconstruction surgery doesn’t go as planned, and technical issues can make the procedure unsuccessful. This requires a revision surgery, which is more complex than the initial reconstruction.
If the artificial graft tears again due to extreme pressure in the knee, the patient might need to undergo a revision ACL reconstruction. Poor incision site healing or incorrect graft positioning are other reasons why you might need another ACL surgery in Mulund, Mumbai.
Non-Surgical Alternatives to ACL Surgery
While surgery is the best option for those with a complete ACL tear, not everyone is an ideal candidate for ACL reconstruction. If you have a partial ACL tear or if your doctor believes you can get better with less-invasive procedures, you can try the following to speed up your healing:
- Try physical strengthening exercises
- Wear knee braces to provide support to your knee joint
- Take over-the-counter painkillers and injections to relieve pain
Depending on the level of tear, your doctor will advise you the best treatment. It can be non-invasive medical procedures or a surgical reconstruction.
