ACL surgery is the surgical replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.
3 bones form the knee joint:
- Thighbone
- Shinbone
- Patella (Kneecap)
Ligaments connect these bones internally. ACL is one such knee ligament that stabilizes your knee.
ACL surgery helps to restore a pain-free range of motion, stability, and function to a knee joint after the ACL injury.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery: When Is It Needed?
Not all cases of an ACL torn ligament require surgery.
Your doctor may recommend surgery to treat complete ACL tears for:
- Young and active individuals who want to return to heavy labor or sports that require extensive movements of the knee
- Other knee injuries, along with ACL tear
- Persistent knee pain
- Knee buckle during routine activities, such as walking
Your doctor may only consider ACL surgery if it suits your needs and lifestyle.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery: How to Prepare?
You may be asked
- Questions on your complete medical and drug history
- For a few imaging tests to monitor your overall health condition (ECG or Blood Tests)
- To Lose excess weight before the surgery through a healthy diet and exercise plan
- To fast for 12 hours before the surgery
- To stop smoking for a few days, as smoking delays the healing process
- To stop taking certain medications like blood thinners as per your doctor’s advice
How ACL Reconstruction Is Performed
Surgery is usually performed under anesthesia
The surgeon uses a graft to replace the ligament.
Common grafts are:
- Autografts (own body parts)
- Allografts (from donors)
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery: Post-Operative Care
- Take pain medications (as prescribed)
- keep your incision clean and dry
- Take adequate rest
- Apply ice to your knee (to alleviate pain and decreases swelling)
- Do not miss any follow-up visits
ACL Reconstruction: What to Expect After Surgery?
- You will be discharged on the same day of surgery if your vitals are stable.
- You may experience mild pain and restricted movements for several months
- You will wear a knee brace and crutches for several weeks after surgery.
- Your doctor will also refer you to physical therapy to help you restore your range of motion and build your knee strength.
- Full recovery takes at least four to six months but may take a year.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery: When to Call Your Doctor?
Call your doctor immediately if you experience the following:
- Pain and Fever
- Swelling or pus discharge from knee joints
- Bleeding
- Breathing problems
- Swelling of the calf, ankle, or foot
- Inability to urinate or pass bowels
Myth and Fact: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery
Myth: The knee has to be cut wide open
Fact: Arthroscopy is the method to reconstruct a torn ACL. With this method, you have less scarring and blood loss. Your knee is not cut wide open, and you will heal faster.
Dos and Don’ts: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery
Do’s
- Keep your knee straight
- Go for physiotherapy
- Wear the knee brace
- Use Ice and Heat pads
Don’ts
- Do not skip medicines
- Do not plan any surgery in the recovery period
- Do not put weight on the new knee
- Do not involve in physical activities
