ACL injuries are common among athletes and people who participate in sports. The ACL is a vital ligament located in the knee. It provides stability and assists in motions like pivoting jumping, and sudden change in direction. ACL reconstruction is needed due to the insufficient healing capacity of this ligament.
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If you’ve been diagnosed with an ACL injury, knowing the procedure of ACL reconstruction, the role of an expert ACL surgeon, as well as the latest developments in surgical techniques can help you make an informed decision about the treatment you’ll receive.
The role of the ACL and why Reconstruction is often required
The ACL is the ligament connecting the bone of the femur with the tibia. It plays a significant role in stabilizing your knee when you move it. The knee’s stability is greatly affected when the ACL tears, whether it’s due to a sudden change and landing in a awkward manner or high-impact sports. The signs of an ACL tear usually include swelling, pain, and a feeling of the knee “giving out” during activity.
Although minor injuries to other ligaments can sometimes heal with rest and rehabilitation, the weak self-healing capacity means surgery is often the most effective option. ACL Surgery typically involves either repairing the ligament in rare cases or reconstructing it using a tendon graft.
What exactly is ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction is the process of replacing the ligament that has been damaged with a graft, which could be obtained from the patient’s body (autograft) or a donor (allograft). The quadriceps tendons and the patellar (BTB) are two of the most commonly utilized grafts. Each graft type has its own unique benefits.
Quadriceps Tendon: This graft is well-known for its strength and low complications with the donor site. It can provide stability for athletes who have returned from sports that are high-impact.
Patellar Tendon BTB (BTB) commonly referred to as the “gold standard”, this graft can provide the most stability to patients who require it.
Dr. Burnham has extensive experience as a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon. He has performed thorough research to determine the most appropriate graft for knee stability and durability. There are also a few long-term side effects.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
Historically, ACL reconstruction techniques put the graft in a non-anatomic position, which meant it didn’t precisely align with the original ligament’s position. This could result in lower than optimal results including instability and a higher risk of injury recurrence. The latest technological advances in surgical research as well as imaging technology have changed the way we think about ACL reconstruction.
Today, skilled ACL surgeons like Dr. Burnham use advanced techniques to put the new ligament exactly where the initial ACL was. This is anatomically positioned to ensure better alignment with knee’s natural mechanics, which results in improved stability and function. The benefits of this precision include:
Reduced chance of re-injury
Better long-term knee health
Lower risk of developing arthritis
How to Measure the Size of Grafts with Precision
One of the critical elements of a successful ACL reconstruction is ensuring the graft has the ideal dimension for the knee of the patient. Using MRI images and direct surgical observation, surgeons are able to customize the graft according to the specific anatomy of each patient. A graft that’s too tiny may not be able to withstand the strain as a graft is oversized can cause complications. ACL surgeons customize the procedure for each patient to ensure optimal the healing process and functionality.
Why choose a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon?
The knowledge and experience of your surgeon plays a significant role in the success of your ACL surgery. Fellowship-trained ACL surgeons, like Dr. Burnham, have specialized training and experience handling complex knee injuries. They are equipped with the most modern surgical techniques, and are able to provide personalized care to each patient, resulting in better outcomes.
Recover and Long-Term Benefits
Following ACL reconstruction, most patients can anticipate a gradual return to their prior levels of activity if they undergo proper rehabilitation. Physical therapy is a vital element of recovery. It will help in strengthening the muscles around it, and restore range-of-motion.
ACL surgery has seen improvements over the years, resulting in improved long-term results, such as a lower rate of re-injury as well as increased knee stability. Modern ACL techniques are a fantastic alternative for those looking to return to playing field, or resume an active lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction has become a vast different from what it used to be, due in part to the advancement of research, modern technology and trained fellowship-trained ACL specialists such as Dr. Burnham. Modern surgical methods focus on accuracy, precision, and customized care, giving patients the highest chance of a successful and long-term healing.
If you’re facing an ACL injury, speaking with an experienced ACL surgeon will allow you to determine your options and get the best result to meet your specific needs.