ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that usually requires an orthopedic surgeon or an arthroscopy team. It’s also known as anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. It’s a very useful procedure for treating torn ACLs, as well as other injuries to the knee.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments that stabilize the knee. ACL tears typically result in painful instability in the knee joint. This instability leads to abnormal movements and bending of the leg.
Types of ACL Reconstruction
There are two types of ACL reconstruction: an open and an arthroscopic.
The open procedure usually involves several stages. In the first stage, the surgeon cleans out the knee joint. The second stage removes the damaged ACL and other knee ligaments. The surgeon then cuts a piece of the patient’s hamstring tendon and sutures it into its place.
In the arthroscopic procedure, the surgeon makes an opening in the joint using an arthroscope. The arthroscope has a light and a camera that allows the surgeon to see inside the knee. Using this view, the surgeon closes the torn ACL, fixes the meniscus, and lays out the graft to be used in the reconstruction of the ligament.
How Does ACL Reconstruction Work?
The reconstruction process begins with the surgeon identifying the location of the torn ligament. The surgeon makes a cut in the skin at the top of the thigh, gently separates the muscle, and reveals the ligament. The surgeon then cuts the ligament, cleans out the knee joint, and prepares the area for the graft.
Once the ligament is cut, it’s spread out on a flat table. The surgeon then preps the area by removing any loose or bloody tissue. They then make a small incision in the skin and insert a fine needle. This needle is used to suction out any loose blood or tissue that may have accumulated in the knee joint.
Risks of ACL Reconstruction
There are a few risks associated with ACL reconstruction in Singapore. The first is that of an infection. Because the knee joint is entered during the operation, infection is a concern. The surgeon suctions out blood and other potentially harmful materials from the knee. An open procedure may expose the leg to an infection risk, while an arthroscopic procedure is at a reduced risk of infection.
Benefits of ACL Reconstruction
There are many benefits to having ACL reconstruction, including increased mobility, decreased knee pain, and less chance of injury to the knee. The reconstructed ligament should have better flexibility, which may improve your running gait and prevent injury.
When Should You Have ACL Reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is usually done to treat a complete tear of the ligament. This usually happens in people who are in their mid-20s and early 30s. ACL reconstruction in Singapore is also done in people who have osteoarthritis or articular cartilage damage in the knee.
Conclusion
ACL reconstruction is indicated when there is a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This occurs most often in sports that involve a lot of running and leaping, like basketball and soccer. ACL injuries in non-athletes are less common but still occur. These types of ACL injuries are most often due to a mechanical cause, like a fall on an injured knee or a direct blow to the knee.
