ACL injuries are frequent among athletes as well as individuals who are active in sports. The ACL is a crucial ligament inside the knee joint, responsible for providing stability and supporting moves like jumping, pivoting and sudden changes in direction. 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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Knowing the ACL reconstruction process, the role of a specialist ACL surgeon and the advancements in surgical technique can help you to make an informed decision on your treatment.
The ACL The ACL: What is its role and the reasons why reconstruction is frequently needed
The ACL connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone), playing a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint during movement. When the ACL is injured, it can be caused by a twisting motion that results in a sloppy position, or even high-impact sports. This can cause instability of the joint. ACL tears can cause inflammation and pain. They could also cause the knee feel as if it “gives out” while you’re in a high-intensity.
Although minor injuries to other ligaments may sometimes heal with rest and rehabilitation, the weak self-healing ability means surgery is often the most effective solution. ACL surgery typically involves fixing the ACL in rare cases, or reconstructing it with the use of a tendon-graft.
What exactly is ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction involves replacing the injured ligament with a graft. The graft can come from the patient’s body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). The patellar and quadriceps tendons (BTB) are among the most commonly used grafts. Each of these grafts offers distinct advantages.
Quadriceps tendon: Because of its strength and the absence of complications at the donor site The graft is steady stability, especially when athletes return to high-impact sport.
Patellar Tendon BTB (BTB) is often referred to as the “gold standard”, this graft provides the most stability to patients who need it.
Dr. Burnham is a fellowship-trained ACL Surgeon who has done extensive research into these grafts. The results are exceptional in terms of knee durability and stability.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
The past experience has been that ACL reconstruction techniques placed the graft in a non-anatomic position, i.e. it didn’t coincide with the original ligament’s position. This often led to less than optimal results, for example, decreased stability and an increased chance of re-injury. Recent advances in surgical technology, imaging research and other factors have revolutionized the way ACL reconstructions are carried out.
Nowadays, highly skilled ACL surgeons like Dr. Burnham use advanced techniques to put the new ligament exactly where the original ACL was located. This is anatomically positioned to ensure an alignment that is more in line with the knee’s natural mechanics, resulting in better stability and function. This precise alignment has numerous benefits which include:
Reduced risk of re-injury
Better long-term knee health
A lower risk of developing arthritis
The focus is on precision. The importance of the sizing of grafts
The success of an ACL reconstruction depends on the correct size of the graft suitable for the patient. Utilizing MRI imaging and direct surgical observation, the surgeon is able make the graft specific to each person. A graft that’s too small could not be able to withstand the strain and a graft that is too large can lead to complications. ACL surgeons can speed up healing and functionality by customizing every procedure to the individual patient.
Why Choose an ACL Surgeon who has been trained by a fellowship?
The knowledge of your surgeon is crucial for the successful completion of ACL surgery. Fellow-trained ACL Surgeons such as Dr. Burnham have extensive experience and have specialized training for treating severe knee injuries. They’re equipped with latest surgical techniques and can provide individualized treatment to each patient, resulting in better results.
Recovery and long-term benefits
Following ACL reconstruction, most patients can expect a gradual return to their former level of activity with the proper rehabilitation. Physical therapy is an important component of recovery, helping to strengthen the muscles surrounding and restore the full range of motion.
ACL surgery has improved over time, resulting in longer-lasting results including a decrease in the rate of re-injury and improved knee stability. Modern ACL procedures are an excellent option for anyone who wants to get back on the field or live the active lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstructions have come a long way because of the latest technology, research and experience of fellowship trained ACL surgeons such as Dr. Burnham. By focusing on precision, advanced imaging techniques, and individualized medical care, today’s surgical procedures provide patients with the best chance for a successful recovery and long-term knee health.
Contact an ACL surgeon if you have an ACL injury. They can guide you through your options to ensure the best outcome.