Everything You Need to Know About the ACL Reconstruction Surgery

If you are an athlete, play high impact outdoor sports including, football, basketball, tennis, etc., there is always a risk of tearing your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – one of the most crucial ligaments in your knee.  ACL injuries primarily occur while performing activities that require sudden stops and changes in direction.

The ACL reconstruction surgery is primarily performed to replace the torn or damaged ACL. The ligament that is torn is replaced with another piece of a tendon from another part of the knee or a donor. The ACL surgery is an outpatient operation that is carried out by making minor incisions around the knee joint.

The ACL reconstruction surgery is performed by highly qualified medical professionals who have expertise in performing operations to the joints and the bones. Dr Pranjal Kodkani is one the most renowned and established surgeon for an ACL surgery in Mumbai. Dr Kodkani has rich and diverse clinical experience and was also the first individuals to push and introduce the concept of ‘joint preservation’ in India.

Today, we will throw light on all the significant aspects of the ACL surgery to help our readers understand the procedure and what they should expect from it.

Why is the ACL surgery performed?

Let’s start by understanding what ligaments are. Ligaments are nothing but bands of tissues that connect bones. The ACL is one of the two ligaments that cross the middle area of the knee connecting the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and offers stability to the joint.

Typically, ACL injuries occur while playing a sport or physical tasks that put a lot of pressure on the knee. Some of the causes of an ACL injury include:

•    A sudden change of direction and slowing down

•    Pivoting when your foot is planted

•    Landing a jump in an awkward position

•    A direct blow to the knee

When is the ACL reconstruction recommended?

The ACL reconstruction is usually recommended when:

You are an athlete and wish to continue you're a career in sports that requires jumping, pivoting etc.

If one ligament or meniscus in your knee is injured

Your knee injury is interfering with your daily activities

If your knee is unstable

What should you do to prepare for the surgery?

Before the surgery, you will undergo physical therapy for several weeks. The objective of physical therapy before the operation is to reduce the pain and swelling, strengthen your muscles, and restore the range of motion of your knee. An ACL reconstruction is an outpatient surgery, and the patient is likely to be discharged on the same day of the surgery.

What should I expect before and after the surgery?

It is essential to understand that you will be given general anaesthesia before the ACL reconstruction surgery. Thus, you will be at ease during the operation.

During the procedure

At the time of the surgery, your surgeon will get rid of the damaged ligament and replace it with a tendon. The tissue that is used to replace is called graft and comes from some part of your knee or a tendon received from a donor. The graft is accurately placed by the surgeon which is then secured to the bones.

After the procedure

Once the effect of the anaesthesia fades away, you can go home on the same day after the surgery. However, before you go back, you need to practise walking with crutches and also wear a knee brace to ensure the graft is protected. Further, you will be advised on how to administer the pain and swelling post surgery. Remember to keep your leg at an elevation and apply ice to the knee and not overwork it.

As long as you follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon, recovery should be smooth. Dr Kodkani is a highly accomplished surgeon with years of experience under his belt. His acumen for joint reconstruction and preservation and constant efforts to offer the best treatment has cemented him as one of the best surgeons for ACL reconstructionin Mumbai.