ACL injuries affect both those who are athletes and not in the United States. The ACL is situated in the knee, offers stabilization to the joint. It assists with movements such as pivoting, jumping and directional changes. Unfortunately, due to its limited healing capacity, ACL reconstruction or surgery is often required in order to regain knee function after the tear.
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Understanding the ACL reconstruction procedure, the function of a specialist ACL surgeon and the advancements in surgical procedure can help you to make an informed decision regarding the treatment you’ll receive.
The ACL’s Role and Why Reconstruction is often required
The ACL connects femur, (thighbone) and tibia, (shinbone). It is vital in stabilizing the knee joint as it moves. When the ACL is injured, whether from a sudden twist, falling awkwardly, or during intense sports, the knee’s strength is significantly affected. ACL tears can result in swelling and pain. They could also cause you feel that your knee “gives out” when you are active.
ACL injuries don’t heal themselves however, they do recover with rehabilitation or rest in some cases surgical intervention is typically the most appropriate option. ACL Surgery typically involves either repairing the ligament in rare cases or reconstructing it using a tendon graft.
What exactly is ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction involves replacing the ligament that has been damaged with a graft, which is sourced from the patient’s body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). Two of the most widely used grafts are the quadriceps tendon (BTB) and the patellar tendon (BTB). Each graft type has its own unique benefits.
Quadriceps tendon: Due to its strength and the absence of complications at the site of donor This graft provides stable stability, especially for those who are returning to high-impact sport.
Patellar Tendon BTB (BTB) of which is commonly referred to as the “gold standard”, this graft can provide maximum stability to patients who require it.
Dr. Burnham is a fellowship-trained ACL Surgeon who has conducted extensive research on the grafts. The results are excellent regarding knee strength and stability.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
The past experience has been that ACL reconstruction techniques placed the graft in a non-anatomic location, which means it did not align precisely with the natural position of the ligament. This could result in less than optimal outcomes, such as decreased stability and increased risk of injury recurrence. The latest technological advances in surgical research as well as imaging technology have revolutionized ACL reconstruction.
ACL surgeons, like Dr. Burnham today, use sophisticated techniques to put the new ACL exactly in the same place where the initial ACL was. This alignment aligns the new ligament with the knee’s normal mechanics, and improves stability and function. Benefits of precision include:
Risk reduction for injury
Better long-term knee health
Greater chance of avoiding developing arthritis
Precision Matters: The Relevance of Graft Sizing
ACL reconstruction success depends on the size and shape of the ACL graft. Utilizing MRI imaging combined with direct surgical observations, the surgeon can modify the graft for every patient. A graft that is too small won’t offer the stability needed. A graft too big could cause problems. ACL surgeons customize the procedure to each patient to ensure optimal the healing process and functionality.
Why choose a Fellowship-Trained ACL Surgeon?
The experience of your surgeon plays an important factor in the success of your ACL surgery. Fellow-trained ACL surgeons, like Dr. Burnham, have specialized expertise and years of experience handling complex knee injuries. They’re equipped with the latest surgical techniques and can provide personalized care to each patient, resulting in better results.
Recovery and Long-Term Benefits
After ACL reconstruction, most patients will see a gradual return to their prior activities with the right rehabilitation. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovering. It assists in strengthening the surrounding muscles and improve the range of motion.
Because of advances in ACL surgery patients are experiencing better long-term results, including decreased re-injury rate and enhanced knee stability. Modern ACL techniques are an excellent alternative for those looking to get back on the field or return to the active lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction has become a vast away from what it was a few years ago, thanks in part to research, modern technology and trained fellowship-trained ACL specialists like Dr. Burnham. The current techniques are based on precision, customized care and cutting-edge imaging. This provides patients with the greatest chance of long-term recovery as well as knee health.
Seek advice from an ACL surgeon if you’ve suffered an ACL injury. They will guide you through your options to achieve the best possible outcome.