To lead an active lifestyle, joints of the body must be stable. Without stability, balance is impaired, agility compromised and precise movement impossible. The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a ligament that stabilizes the knee joint to allow a person to move freely. If the ACL is torn, ACL reconstruction is an available surgical procedure to restore knee stability.
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Anterior cruciate ligament rupture occurs when the ligament is overstretched. Four ligaments stabilize the knee. The ACL prevents the tibia or lower leg bone from moving forward in relation to the femur and it also prevents rotation of the tibia. The ACL can tear when the knee is hit from the side or when a quick running stop is made, followed by an immediate directional change. Football, soccer, basketball and skiing are sports that can cause ACL injuries, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Surgical Procedure
ACL reconstruction is typically accomplished through arthroscopy. A small incision is made near the knee joint space and a small camera inserted to view the condition of the ACL. Additional small incisions are created to insert other instruments to perform the surgery. The ACL is reconstructed in the following manner: the old ACL is removed; holes are drilled on the tibial and femoral surfaces to create an attachment point for the new ACL; the new ACL is inserted and screwed onto the bone. Over time, the holes of the bone surface fill in, thus securing the new ACL in place. The incisions are sutured and bandages are applied.
Graft Type
The ruptured or torn ACL is replaced with a graft from your own body or from a corpse. If the graft is from you, the tissue will be taken from your knee tendon or hamstring, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Recovery
According to the University of Washington Department of Orthopedic and Sport Medicine, ACL reconstruction does not require an overnight hospital stay. The initial stage of recovery, lasting about two weeks, requires rest and requires the knee to be braced, in order to protect the new graft from excessive movement. Anti-inflammatory and pain medications are prescribed to lessen pain and discomfort. In weeks two to 24, rehabilitation focuses upon regaining range of motion, muscle strength and mobility. Before considering ACL reconstruction, consider the commitment required to recover from the surgery. A four- to six-month rehabilitation regime is needed to fully recover from this type of surgery.
Risks/Complications
Risks include too aggressive rehabilitation and reinjuring the new ACL. Infection can also occur. Keep the sutured incisions clean, notes the University of Washington.
Considerations
Not all patients with an ACL rupture seek surgical correction. It is possible to live a normal life without surgical intervention. However, most patients complain of knee instability and unrepaired ACL ruptures can result in early onset arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
