ACL injuries are common among athletes as well as individuals who are active in sports. The ACL is an essential ligament that is located inside the knee joint. It’s responsible to provide stability and support movements such as pivoting, jumping and sudden changes in direction. ACL reconstruction and surgery are often needed to restore knee function following a tear due to the fact that it is not able to heal.
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Understanding the ACL reconstruction procedure, the function of a specialist ACL surgeon, as well as the advances in surgical technique can help you make an informed decision on the treatment you’ll receive.
The ACL The role of the ACL and the reason why it is necessary
The ACL connects the femur (thighbone) and the tibia (shinbone). It is crucial in stabilizing the knee joint whenever it moves. If the ACL is torn, whether because of a sudden twist, being thrown off balance, or in high-impact sports, the knee’s strength is significantly affected. The symptoms of an ACL tear usually include swelling, pain and the sensation of the knee “giving out” in the course of activity.
ACL injuries do not heal on their own and, while they may heal through rest or rehabilitation in some instances, surgery is usually the most appropriate 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 involves replacing the injured ligament with a graft. The graft can be sourced from either the body of the patient (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). The quadriceps muscles and the patellar (BTB), are among the most frequently used grafts. Each of these grafts has specific benefits.
Quadriceps tendon: Because of its high strength and minimal complications at the donor site the graft can provide stable stability, especially when athletes return to high-impact activities.
Patellar Tendon BTB: This surgery, commonly referred to by medical professionals as “the gold standard” for ACL reconstructions, is a great choice for people who need maximum stability.
Dr. Burnham has extensive experience as a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon. He has performed extensive research to find the best graft option to ensure knee stability and longevity. There are also minimal adverse effects that can last for a long time.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
ACL reconstructions have traditionally placed the ACL graft in an non-anatomic location, which means that it was not aligned to the original ACL’s natural location. This method often resulted in inadequate results, like decreased stability and an increased risk of recurrence. However, modern advancements in imaging technology as well as surgical research have revolutionized how ACL reconstruction is done.
Today, expert ACL surgeons such as Dr. Burnham use advanced techniques to put the new ligament exactly where the initial ACL was located. This is anatomically precise and aligns with the knee’s natural mechanics. It improves function and stability. This precise alignment has numerous benefits that include:
Risk reduction for injuries
Better long-term knee health
Reduced risk of arthritis
It’s all about precision. The importance of the sizing of grafts
One of the critical elements of a successful ACL reconstruction is to ensure that the graft has the ideal size to fit the knee of the patient. By using MRI imaging combined with direct surgical examinations, surgeons can tailor the graft for each patient. A graft too small can’t offer the stability needed. A graft too big could cause problems. ACL surgeons can customize the procedure to each patient to optimize healing and function.
Why should you select a fellowship-trained ACL Surgeon?
The knowledge and experience of the surgeon you choose plays a major part in the success of your ACL surgery. A fellow-trained ACL Surgeons such as Dr. Burnham have extensive experience and are trained to treat complicated knee injuries. They are equipped with the latest surgical techniques and can provide individualized treatment to each patient, resulting in better outcomes.
Benefits of Recovering and Long-Term
After ACL reconstruction, the majority of patients will see a gradual return to their prior level of activity with the proper rehabilitation. Physical therapy is an important component of recovery and helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding and restore full range of motion.
ACL surgery has seen improvements in recent years, resulting in better long-term outcomes, including a decrease in the rate of re-injury, and increased knee stability. If you’re an athlete looking to get back on the field or a person who is seeking to return an active lifestyle ACL reconstruction techniques offer hope and long-lasting relief.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction has become a far away from what it was a few years ago, due to modern research, advanced technology, and specially trained ACL specialists such as Dr. Burnham. Modern surgical techniques emphasize precision, advanced imaging and individualized care to give patients the highest chance of the best long-term and successful healing.
If you’re facing the possibility of an ACL injury, talking to an expert ACL surgeon will allow you to determine your options and get the best result to meet your specific needs.