ACL injuries are common among athletes as well as individuals who are active in sports. The ACL is situated in the knee, provides stabilization to the joint. It assists with activities like jumping, pivoting and changing direction. ACL reconstruction and surgery are often needed to regain knee function after tears due to its inability to heal.
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If you’ve been diagnosed with an ACL injury, understanding the process of ACL reconstruction, the role of an expert ACL surgeon, and advances in surgical techniques can assist you to make informed decisions regarding your treatment.
The ACL: Its role and why reconstruction is often essential
The ACL is the ligament connecting the bone of the femur with the tibia. It plays a crucial function in stabilizing your knee during movements. When the ACL is torn, whether due to a sudden twist, falling awkwardly, or during high-impact athletics, the knee’s stability is greatly impaired. The signs of an ACL tear often include swelling, pain and a sensation of the knee “giving out” when you exercise.
While minor injuries to other ligaments may occasionally heal through treatment and rest, the weak self-healing capabilities mean surgery is often the most effective solution. ACL Surgery typically involves either repairing the ligament in rare cases or reconstructing it using a tendon graft.
What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction involves the repair of a tear in an ACL ligament with a brand new transplant. The graft may originate from the body of the patient, or from another donor. The quadriceps tendons and the patellar (BTB) are two of most commonly utilized grafts. Each of these grafts has distinct advantages.
Quadriceps Tendon : This graft is known for its strength and lack of complications with the donor site. It offers stability for athletes who have returned from high-impact sports.
Patellar Tendon (BTB): Sometimes referred to as the “gold standard” in ACL reconstruction, this graft is suitable for people who need the most stability.
Dr. Burnham is a fellowship-trained ACL Surgeon who has performed extensive research on these grafts. The results are fantastic in terms of knee durability and stability.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
Historically, ACL reconstruction techniques put the graft in a non-anatomic position, meaning it didn’t exactly match the original ligament’s position. This often led to inadequate results, like lower stability and a higher likelihood of injury. Recent advances in imaging technology, surgical research, and many other aspects have revolutionized the way ACL reconstructions are done.
Today, experienced ACL surgeons such as Dr. Burnham use advanced techniques to position the new ligament exactly where the original ACL was. This is anatomically precise and is in line with the knee’s natural mechanics. This improves function as well as stability. The benefits of this technique include:
Reducing the risk of the re-injury
Better long-term knee health
The risk of arthritis is reduced.
Precision Matters: The Importance of Graft Sizing
The success of an ACL reconstruction depends on the correct size of the graft to the patient. Using a combination of MRI imaging as well as direct surgical observations, surgeons can tailor the graft according to the patient’s anatomy. A graft that’s tiny may not be able to provide sufficient stabilization, whereas an over-sized transplant could result in complications. ACL surgeons design the procedure to each patient to ensure optimal the healing process and function.
Why should you choose a fellowship trained ACL surgeon?
The experience of your surgeon is crucial for your ACL operation. A fellowship-trained ACL specialists such as Dr. Burnham are highly skilled and have vast experience with complicated knee injuries. They are equipped with the modern surgical techniques and provide individualized treatment to each patient, resulting in better outcomes.
Recover, as well as long-term benefits
After ACL reconstruction, the majority of patients can expect a gradual return to their prior activity levels with proper rehabilitation. Physical therapy is a crucial element of rehabilitation, helping to strengthen the muscles around and restore the full range of motion.
Because of advances in ACL surgery the patients are now seeing better long-term results, including reduced re-injury rates as well as improved knee stability. If you’re an athlete looking to return to your sport or someone seeking to regain an active lifestyle, modern ACL reconstruction methods offer an opportunity to find relief that lasts.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstructions have made a stride path thanks to the latest technologies, research, and the expertise of fellowship-trained ACL surgeons like Dr. Burnham. Through focusing on precision advanced imaging, and individualized medical care, today’s surgical procedures offer patients the best chances of a successful recovery and long-term knee health.
Contact an ACL surgeon if you’ve suffered an ACL injury. They will guide you through your options for the best result.