Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is among the most frequently reported injuries in sports across the United States, affecting athletes as well as active people alike. The ACL is situated within the knee, gives stability to the joint and assists when it comes to pivoting, jumping, and changing direction. ACL reconstruction is necessary due to the low healing capability of this ligament.
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Knowing the ACL reconstruction process, the importance of an expert ACL surgeon, as well as the advances in surgical procedure can help you make an informed choice about your treatment.
The role of the ACL and why Reconstruction is often required
The ACL connects femur, (thighbone) and tibia, (shinbone). It is vital in stabilizing the knee joint when it moves. The stability of the knee is significantly compromised when the ACL is damaged, whether from a sudden turn when landing on a bump or a bump, or from playing high-impact sports. ACL tears are marked by swelling, pain and a feeling that your knee is “giving out”.
ACLs aren’t as self-healing as other ligaments. Therefore, surgery is the only effective option to treat them. ACL Surgery typically involves either repairing the ligament in rare cases or reconstructing it using a tendon graft.
What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction involves replacing the ligament that has been damaged using a graft. This is sourced from the patient’s own body (autograft) or a donor (allograft). The quadriceps tendon and the patellar (BTB) are among the most frequently used grafts. Each of these grafts offers distinct advantages:
Quadriceps tendon: Due to its high strength and a lack of complications at the site of donor the graft can provide reliable stability, particularly for athletes who return to a high-intensity sport.
Patellar Tendon BTB (BTB) commonly referred to as the “gold standard”, this graft provides maximum stability to patients who require it.
Dr. Burnham, a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon has conducted extensive research regarding these options for grafts, with excellent results 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 an unnatural position, i.e. it didn’t align precisely with the natural position of the ligament. This could lead to poor results, such as lower stability, as well as an increased chance of re-injury. The advancements in imaging technology, surgical research, and many other aspects have revolutionized the way ACL reconstructions are conducted.
ACL surgeons today, including Dr. Burnham, use advanced techniques to replace the ACL exactly where it was. This anatomical placement aligns the new ligament to the knee’s mechanics, and increases stability and functionality. The benefits of precision are:
Risk reduction for injuries
Better long-term knee health
A lower risk of developing arthritis
Precision Matters: The Importance of Graft Sizing
The success of an ACL reconstruction is contingent on the proper size of the graft to the patient. With the help of MRI imaging and direct surgical observations surgeons can adjust the graft to each patient’s anatomy. A graft that is too small won’t offer enough stability. A graft that is too large could cause complications. By adjusting the procedure to each patient, ACL surgeons optimize both healing and function.
Why Should You Choose an ACL Surgeon who is Fellowship-trained?
Your surgeon’s expertise is essential for the success of your ACL procedure. A fellowship-trained ACL specialists, like Dr. Burnham are highly skilled and have vast experience with complex knee injuries. The advanced surgical techniques they employ assure that each patient receives customized treatment, leading to better outcomes.
Recover and Long-Term Benefits
The majority of patients will slowly return to the previous levels of exercise following ACL reconstruction with the right rehabilitation. Physical therapy plays a vital part in the recovery process. It helps to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve the range of motion.
Because of advances in ACL surgery, patients are now experiencing more long-term benefits, such as reduced re-injury rates as well as better knee stability. Modern ACL reconstruction techniques can help you return to your active lifestyle and get back into sports.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction has advanced due to the advancement of technology, research, and the experience of fellow-trained ACL surgeons such as Dr. Burnham. Modern techniques are built on precision, individualized care and advanced imaging. Patients have the best chance of a long-term rehabilitation and knee health.
If you’re facing an ACL injury, speaking with an experienced ACL surgeon will help you determine your options and get the best results that meets your individual requirements.