Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most frequent injuries resulting from sports in the United States, affecting athletes and active people alike. The ACL, which is located in the knee, offers stability to the joint. It also assists with activities like pivoting, jumping and directional changes. Unfortunately, due to its weak healing capabilities, ACL reconstruction or surgery is often needed in order to regain knee function following the tear.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an ACL injury, knowing the procedure for ACL reconstruction and the role of an expert ACL surgeon, and the advancements in surgical techniques can assist you to make informed decisions about your treatment.
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The ACL The role of the ACL and the reason why it is needed
The ACL is the ligament that joins the bone of the femur with the tibia. It plays a crucial function in stabilizing your knee while you move. If the ACL is damaged, whether because of a sudden twist, landing in awkward ways, or from high-impact sports, the knee’s stability is severely diminished. ACL tears can result in swelling and pain. They could also cause you feel that your knee “gives out” when you’re active.
ACLs have less self-healing capabilities than other ligaments. Therefore, surgery is the sole effective option to treat them. ACL surgery typically involves the repair of the ACL in rare cases, or reconstrucing it with a tendon-graft.
What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction is the process of replacing the ligament damaged by tear with a graft, which is sourced from the body of the patient (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). Two of the most frequently used graft options are the quadriceps tendon (BTB) and the patellar tendon (BTB). Each graft type has distinct advantages.
Quadriceps tendon: Due to its high strength and minimal complications at the site of donor, this graft offers reliable stability, particularly for athletes who return to high-impact sport.
Patellar Tendon (BTB): Often referred to as the “gold standard” in ACL reconstruction this graft is the best for people who require maximum stability.
Dr. Burnham, a fellowship-trained ACL Surgeon, has conducted extensive research on these graft options, showing excellent outcomes in terms of knee stability, durability, and minimal long-term complications.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
The past experience has been that ACL reconstruction techniques placed the graft in a non-anatomic position, i.e. it didn’t coincide with the original ligament’s position. This could lead to less than optimal results, for example, decreased stability and an increased risk of reinjury. Modern advancements in surgical research and imaging technology have changed the way we think about ACL reconstruction.
ACL surgeons today, like Dr. Burnham, use advanced techniques to replace the ACL exactly in the spot it was. This anatomic placement ensures an alignment that is more in line with the knee’s normal mechanics, resulting in a better function and stability. Benefits of precision include:
Reduction of the risk of injury
Better long-term knee health
Reduced risk of arthritis
It’s all about precision: the importance of the sizing of grafts
ACL reconstruction success depends on the proper size of the ACL graft. Utilizing MRI images and direct surgical observation, surgeons are able to tailor the graft to the anatomy of each patient. A graft that is too small may not provide adequate stability, and an oversized one could lead to problems. ACL surgeons can improve the healing process and function by tailoring every procedure for the patient.
Why Choose a Fellowship-Trained ACL Surgeon?
Your surgeon’s expertise is essential for your ACL procedure. Fellow-trained ACL specialists, like Dr. Burnham are highly skilled and have a wealth of experience dealing with complicated knee injuries. The sophisticated surgical techniques they use ensure that each patient receives personalized treatment, which leads to greater results.
Recovery and long-term benefits
Most patients will gradually return to their previous levels of physical activity following ACL reconstruction, with proper rehabilitation. Physical therapy is an essential component of rehabilitation aiding in strengthening the muscles surrounding and restore the full range of motion.
ACL surgery has gotten better through the years, which results in more long-term benefits, including a decrease in the rate of re-injury as well as increased knee stability. Modern ACL procedures are an excellent alternative for anyone looking to return to playing field, or resume an active lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction has come a long way thanks to advances in technology research, the experience of fellowship-trained ACL surgeons such as Dr. Burnham. Through focusing on precision advanced imaging techniques, and individualized care, today’s surgical techniques offer patients the best chance of a quick recovery and long-term knee health.
Contact an ACL surgeon if you suffer from an ACL injury. They can guide you through your options to achieve the best possible outcome.