ACL injuries are common among athletes and those who play sports. The ACL is an important ligament within the knee which offers stability and aids in actions like pivoting, jumping, and abrupt shifts 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 importance of a specialist ACL surgeon, and the recent advances in surgical technique can help you make an informed decision on the treatment you’ll receive.
The ACL: Its role and the reason why it is necessary
The ACL is the ligament connecting the femur to the tibia. It plays a crucial function in stabilizing your knee when you move it. The knee’s stability is seriously compromised when the ACL tears, whether it’s because of a sudden turning and landing in a awkward manner or high-impact sports. ACL tears are characterized by swelling, pain and the sensation that your knee is “giving away”.
Although minor injuries to ligaments of other types can sometimes heal with treatment and rest, the weak self-healing capacity means that surgery is often the most effective treatment. ACL surgery is a procedure that involves rebuilding the ACL using a graft or fixing it in rare situations.
What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
ACL reconstruction is the repair of a tear in an ACL ligament using a fresh graft. The graft may be from the body of the patient, or from another donor. The patellar and quadriceps tendons (BTB) are among the most commonly used grafts. Each of these grafts has distinct advantages.
Quadriceps Tendon It is known for its tough strength and minimal donor site complications, this graft can provide stability particularly for athletes returning to sports that require high impact.
Patellar Tendon (BTB): Sometimes referred to as the “gold standard” in ACL reconstruction, this graft is ideal for those who require the highest stability.
Dr. Burnham, a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon has conducted extensive studies regarding these graft options, providing excellent results in terms of knee strength, durability and a minimal risk of complications in the long run.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
The past experience has been that ACL reconstruction techniques placed the graft in an unnatural position, i.e. it didn’t precisely align with the original ligament’s position. This usually led to less than optimal outcomes which included a decrease in stability and a greater risk of re-injury. The latest technological advances in surgical research as well as imaging technology have revolutionized ACL reconstruction.
ACL surgeons, like Dr. Burnham today, use advanced methods to place the new ACL in exactly the same place where the initial ACL used to be. The anatomical alignment aligns this new ligament to the knee’s mechanics and improves stability and function. Benefits of precision include:
Reduction of risk of injury
Better long-term knee health
A lower risk of developing arthritis
How to Measure the Size of Grafts With Precision
ACL reconstruction’s success relies on the proper size of the ACL graft. Using a combination of MRI imaging and direct surgical observations surgeons can adapt the graft for the patient’s anatomy. A graft of too little size won’t offer enough stability. A graft that’s too large can cause problems. ACL surgeons tailor the procedure for each patient to optimize the healing process and functionality.
Why should you choose a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon?
The knowledge of your surgeon is crucial in the successful completion of ACL surgery. A fellow-trained ACL Surgeons like Dr. Burnham have extensive experience and training specifically for the treatment of complex knee injuries. They’re equipped with the most modern surgical techniques, and are able to provide individual care for each patient, leading to better outcomes.
Recovery and long-term benefits
The majority of patients will return to the previous levels of physical activity following ACL reconstruction when they have the proper rehabilitation. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in regaining. It helps to strengthen surrounding muscles and regain flexibility.
ACL surgery has seen improvements over the years, resulting in longer-lasting results such as a lower rate of injury recurrence, as well as improved knee stability. It doesn’t matter if you’re an athlete hoping to return to your sport or someone seeking to regain an active lifestyle, the latest ACL reconstructive techniques can provide an opportunity to find relief that lasts.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction is a far different from what it was in the past, due to research, modern technology and fellow-trained ACL specialists such as Dr. Burnham. Through focusing on precision advanced imaging, and individualized treatment, modern surgical methods provide patients with the best chances of a successful recovery and long-term knee health.
If you’re facing the possibility of an ACL injury, consulting an skilled ACL surgeon will help you find the best options and ensure the best outcome that meets your individual needs.