Frequently Asked Questions About ACL Reconstruction Surgery!

ACL which stands for Anterior Cruciate Ligament is a common form of injury for people involved in sports. Tear of ACL can be an extremely painful and debilitating injury. The prospect of having to undergo a surgery for reconstruction will definitely have certain concerns and questions.

Here are some brief questions and answers that are commonly asked and can offer an insight into the topic.

Q1. Who should undergo an ACL reconstruction surgery?
ACL reconstruction surgery is the most suitable treatment option for patients who are physically active. It is especially recommended for athletes who play sports requiring pivoting. If you have an injury in more than one ligament or have knee instability, then ACL reconstruction surgery may be recommended. Patients who lead an active lifestyle are prone to injuring their knees again and therefore, an ACL reconstruction surgery can be of immense help.

Q2. What are the different types of ACL reconstruction surgery?
There are several variants of ACL reconstruction surgery for an ACL tear. In these surgeries, the damaged tendons are replaced from tendons taken from some other parts of the body. This can constitute portions of your own tendon, patellar tendon, hamstrings, quadriceps or a combination of these areas. Each of the various types of ACL reconstruction surgery has pros and cons and which type would be most suitable for you depends on the specifics of the injury as well as the type of graft and other factors.

Q3. How long does it take to recover from an ACL reconstruction surgery take?
Though the recovery time is different from one person to another, the ACL reconstruction surgery indicates a recovery period of several months that may last up to a year. A rehabilitation program can ensure optimum recovery since it focuses on restoring the range of motion and subsequently, strengthening the affected parts.

Q4. When to start therapy after the ACL reconstruction surgery?
It is important to start the therapy right after the first post-operative visit. The therapy can be done at any place that is convenient for the patient. It could be at the therapist’s office or at the patient’s home as well.

Q5. Is it possible to injure the ACL by bending the knee?
Since the ACL graft is positioned in an isometric manner, it means that the length of the graft would not change its position regardless of whether a knee is bent or straightened. It is, therefore impossible to injure the ACL grafting by bending the knee.

Q6. Is it important to use crutches after the surgery?
Most patients are able to bear full weight right after the operation but it may not be the case for all patients. There is no need to use crutches since it is crucial to maintain strength and boost the healing process.
For further clarifications, it is best to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before opting for the procedure.