
#ACL LIGAMENT FULL#
People who go into surgery with a stiff, swollen knee may not regain full range of motion after surgeryĪCL reconstruction is an outpatient procedure, so you'll be able to go home the same day.

The goal before surgery is to reduce pain and swelling, restore your knee's full range of motion, and strengthen muscles. Other risks associated with ACL reconstruction include:īefore your surgery, you'll likely undergo several weeks of physical therapy. And, as with any surgery, bleeding and infection at the surgical site are potential risks. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic RisksĪCL reconstruction is a surgical procedure. You're young (though other factors, such as activity level and knee instability, are more important than age).The injury is causing your knee to buckle during everyday activities.You have a torn meniscus that requires repair.You're an athlete and want to continue in your sport, especially if the sport involves jumping, cutting or pivoting.Suddenly slowing down and changing direction (cutting)Ī course of physical therapy may successfully treat an ACL injury for people who are relatively inactive, engage in moderate exercise and recreational activities, or play sports that put less stress on the knees.ĪCL reconstruction is generally recommended if:.Most ACL injuries happen during sports and fitness activities that can put stress on the knee: The ACL - one of two ligaments that crosses the middle of the knee - connects your thighbone to your shinbone and helps stabilize your knee joint. It's most commonly torn during sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction - such as basketball, soccer, tennis and volleyball. The ACL connects your thighbone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). Gardner says.The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize your knee joint.
#ACL LIGAMENT SERIES#
“In order to minimize the chance of re-tear of the ACL, I like to use a series of functional and strength tests to ensure that the patient is, in fact, optimally rehabilitated from the injury.”įollowing doctor’s orders for recovery can be worth it: The success rate for ACL reconstruction done right and with proper rehabilitation, is very high, Dr. “The decision of when to return to sports and unrestricted activities requires collaboration between the patient, the surgeon, and the physical therapist,” Dr. A return to sports, depending on the individual’s goals, typically occurs between six and 12 months, and may include some work tailored toward the person’s particular activities. So is clear communication between the therapist and the surgeon. While recovery from the procedure is fairly straightforward, following instructions for physical therapy and rehabilitation is imperative. The duration of the operation will vary depending on the extent of the damage in the knee. The procedure is arthroscopic, which means it involves several small incisions and the insertion of a tiny camera and instruments to allow the surgeon to see inside the knee joint and to perform the operation with tiny instruments. The surgeon will first remove the damaged ligament, then replace it with a new one-either an autograft (tissue taken from another part of the body, such as the kneecap tendons or hamstring) or an allograft (tissue from a deceased donor). Over time, these associated injuries may predispose the knee joint to degenerative changes.ĪCL reconstruction is typically an outpatient procedure. It’s important to know that recurrent knee instability because of a dysfunctional ACL may result in additional damage to the menisci (the “shock absorbers” of the knee) and the cartilage.

An older adult who just wants to walk and work out on a treadmill may choose to avoid surgery. Patients usually choose reconstruction if they want to continue their sport or other activity, or if they are younger and want to prevent or prolong the time until they develop arthritis in the area. You should also talk to your doctor about any preferences and concerns you may have. Your choice of treatment will depend on such factors as your age, your activity level, and the severity of your injury.
