Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most frequently reported sports-related injuries in the United States, affecting athletes and active people alike. The ACL is an essential ligament within the knee joint. It’s responsible to provide stability and support actions like pivoting, jumping, and sudden directional changes. ACL reconstruction is needed due to the insufficient healing ability of this ligament.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an ACL injury, knowing the process of ACL reconstruction and the function of an expert ACL surgeon, and the advancements in surgical techniques can help you make an informed decision about the treatment you’ll receive.
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The role of the ACL and Why Reconstruction is often necessary
The ACL connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone), playing a crucial function in stabilizing knee joints during motion. The stability of the knee is severely affected when the ACL tears, whether it’s due to a sudden change and landing in a awkward manner or high-impact sports. Signs of an ACL tear can include swelling, pain, and a sensation of the knee “giving out” in the course of activity.
While minor injuries to ligaments of other types can occasionally heal through treatment and rest, the weak self-healing capabilities mean that surgery is typically the most effective solution. ACL surgery is the process of either reconstructing the ACL with a graft or repair it in rare circumstances.
What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
ACL reconstruction is the process of replacing the ligament damaged by tear using a graft. This can be sourced from either the patient’s own body (autograft) or a donor (allograft). Two of the most frequently utilized grafts are the quadriceps tendon, and the patellar tendon (BTB). Each graft type has its own unique benefits.
Quadriceps tendon: Due to its high strength and a lack of complications at the donor site The graft is solid stability, particularly when athletes return to high-impact activities.
Patellar Tendon BTB (BTB) is often referred to as the “gold standard”, this graft provides the highest level of stability to patients who need it.
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 an unnatural position, meaning it didn’t coincide with the natural position of the ligament. This often resulted in less than optimal results, such as decreased stability as well as a higher risk of injury recurrence. The advances in surgical research and imaging technology have changed the way we think about ACL reconstruction.
ACL surgeons today, including Dr. Burnham, use advanced methods to replace the ACL exactly in the spot it was. This placement is anatomically correct and aligns with the knee’s natural mechanics. This improves function and stability. The advantages of this accuracy include:
Reduction of risk of injury
Better long-term knee health
Less likely to develop arthritis
It’s all about precision: the importance of graft sizing
ACL reconstruction success depends on the correct size of the ACL graft. Using a combination of MRI imaging as well as direct surgical observations, surgeons can tailor the graft for the patient’s anatomy. A graft which is too tiny may not be able to provide sufficient stability, and an oversized transplant could result in complications. By adjusting the procedure to each patient, ACL surgeons optimize both healing and function.
Why should you select a fellowship-trained ACL Surgeon?
The expertise of your surgeon is essential for the successful completion of ACL surgery. A fellowship-trained ACL surgeons, such as Dr. Burnham, have specialized knowledge and expertise in managing knee injuries of a complex nature. They are equipped with the latest surgical techniques and can provide individual care for each patient, resulting in better outcomes.
Long-Term and Recovery Benefits
Following ACL reconstruction, patients will see a gradual return to their former activity levels with proper rehabilitation. Physical therapy is an essential component of rehabilitation. It is a great way to strengthen surrounding muscles, and help to restore range-of-motion.
ACL surgery is improving the long-term outcome of patients, with lower rates for injury recurrence as well as increased knee stability. Modern ACL techniques are an excellent alternative for those looking to return to playing field, or resume an active life.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction is advancing due to the advancement of technology research, the expertise of fellow-trained ACL surgeons such as Dr. Burnham. Modern surgical techniques are focused on precision, advanced imaging and personalized care to give patients the best chances for an effective and long-term healing.
If you’re facing an ACL injury, consulting with an expert ACL surgeon will help you identify your options and reach the best results that meets your individual requirements.
