The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament in your knee that provides stability to the knee joint. However, if you tear this ligament, your knee will feel unstable or loose. According to the Mayo Clinic, ACL injury is common in volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, soccer and football. Conservative treatments, such as rehabilitation, are used in partial ACL tears. However, if your tear is more severe or if your ACL is completely torn, surgery may be required. You should be aware of the complications associated with ACL knee surgery.
Infection
Infection is a possible complication of all surgical procedures, including ACL knee surgery. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the rate of infection after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is 0.2 percent to 0.48 percent. In addition, there have been several reported deaths from bacterial infection of implanted ACL tissue. If infection is not promptly treated, it can spread to the rest of your body. Look for excessive pain, swelling, tenderness and drainage from the surgical wound. While your surgeon will take proper precautions during surgery to prevent infection, you should make sure that you follow your surgeon's post-surgical recommendations to prevent an infection.
Blood Clot
According to the AAOS, a blood clot is a possible complication of ACL knee surgery in 0.12 percent of patients. This occurs because damaged vessels in the knee can cause blood to clot in the legs. Look for excessive pain in the lower leg, swelling and redness if you suspect you have a blood clot. Alerting your surgeon early is important because a blood clot may break off the walls of your veins and travel to your lungs, resulting in respiratory distress. Follow your surgeon's post-surgical instructions to elevate your lower leg, perform light lower leg exercise and take blood-thinning medications to prevent a blood clot from forming.
Stiffness
The AAOS states that knee stiffness or decrease in range of motion occurs in five to 25 percent of patients. This complication is best avoided by following post-surgical rehabilitation exercises prescribed by your doctor and physical therapist. Alert your doctor if knee stiffness is not improving with therapy.
Kneecap Pain
Kneecap (patellar) pain is common after ACL knee surgery, according to the AAOS. This occurs in four to 56 percent of patients after surgery. Prevent this complication by completing your entire course of physical therapy. Consult your doctor if kneecap pain has not resolved after surgery. He may provide medications to help relieve your pain.
