The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the important ligaments in the knee joint that provides stability and support during movements such as running, jumping, and pivoting. An ACL injury is a very common occurrence in sports and can be a significant setback for athletes. The reconstruction of the ACL is a surgical procedure that can help restore knee stability and function after an injury.
The knee is a crucial joint that connects the thighbone and the shinbone. It is held together by four ligaments that link the bones, they are:
- An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
- A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to replace a torn ACL, a key ligament that helps stabilize the knee joint. The ACL is commonly injured during sports activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or awkward landings. Without a functional ACL, the knee may become unstable and prone to further damage.
ACL reconstruction in Ahmedabad is typically performed arthroscopically, which is a minimally invasive procedure that includes making small incisions in the knee and using a tiny camera to guide the surgeon’s instruments. This approach has many benefits, including reduced pain and scarring, faster recovery times, and a lower risk of complications. Dr. Tirth Vyas performs effective surgery with affordable ACL surgery costs in Ahmedabad.
Symptoms of ACL Injury
An ACL tear usually presents with the following symptoms:
- Popping sensation in the knee at the time of injury.
- Severe pain and inability to continue the activity.
- Swelling that typically occurs within a few hours after the injury.
- Instability or “giving way” of the knee, especially during twisting or pivoting movements.
- Limited range of motion and difficulty walking.
Causes of ACL Tears
ACL injuries are most commonly caused by:
- Sports injuries: Particularly in activities like football, soccer, basketball, and skiing that involve sudden stops, pivots, or jumping.
- Trauma: Direct blows to the knee, such as during a fall or a car accident.
- Overextension: Hyperextending the knee joint can strain or tear the ACL.
- Poor landing mechanics: Improper technique when landing from a jump can increase the risk of ACL tears.
Treatment Options
Treatment for an ACL tear depends on the severity of the injury, the patient’s activity level, and overall knee stability.
1. Non-Surgical Treatment
In some cases, non-surgical treatment may be sufficient, especially for patients with low physical activity levels or partial ACL tears.
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): Immediate treatment following injury to reduce swelling and pain.
- Knee brace or crutches: To support the knee and avoid further injury.
- Physical therapy: To strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve stability.
2. Surgical Treatment (ACL Reconstruction)
Surgical reconstruction is often recommended for individuals who are active or have a complete ACL tear.
- Graft selection: During surgery, the torn ACL is replaced with a graft from another tendon, either from the patient’s body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). Common graft sites include the hamstring tendon, patellar tendon, or quadriceps tendon.
- Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure performed using a small camera to guide the surgeon.
- Rehabilitation: After surgery, an extensive rehabilitation program is essential for recovery and to prevent future injuries.
Physiotherapy After ACL Reconstruction
Post-surgical physiotherapy is critical for regaining strength, mobility, and stability in the knee. A typical rehabilitation program progresses in phases, ensuring proper healing and safe return to activities.
1. Phase 1 (0–2 weeks post-op)
- Goals: Reduce pain and swelling, restore range of motion (ROM), and protect the graft.
- Exercises: Gentle knee bends and straightening, quadriceps activation, ankle pumps, and icing to manage swelling.
2. Phase 2 (2–6 weeks post-op)
- Goals: Improve knee ROM, strengthen muscles around the knee, and begin weight-bearing.
- Exercises: Stationary cycling, leg raises, mini-squats, and step-ups.
3. Phase 3 (6–12 weeks post-op)
- Goals: Increase strength, proprioception, and balance.
- Exercises: Resistance training, single-leg balance exercises, lunges, and light jogging on a treadmill.
4. Phase 4 (3–6 months post-op)
- Goals: Progress to sports-specific training and high-impact activities.
- Exercises: Plyometrics (jumping drills), lateral movements, agility drills, and functional strength training.
5. Return to Sports (6–12 months post-op)
- Goals: Safely return to pre-injury activity levels.
- Exercises: Sport-specific training, full squats, sprints, and cutting drills.
Prevention of Future ACL Injuries
- Strength training: Focus on building the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings.
- Balance and proprioception exercises: To improve knee stability during dynamic movements.
- Proper technique: Especially for jumping, landing, and pivoting movements.
- Wearing a knee brace: In some cases, athletes may benefit from wearing a knee brace during high-risk activities.
FAQs
When is ACL Reconstruction Done?
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction is typically performed when a person has a complete tear of the ACL or when the ACL is significantly damaged and the person is experiencing instability or a decrease in function. ACL surgery in Ahmedabad is often recommended for people who are physically active and want to return to high-impact sports or activities.
ACL reconstruction may also be recommended if the person has a partial tear that causes persistent symptoms despite conservative treatments, or if the ACL injury is associated with other injuries to the knee joint.
How to Prepare for ACL Reconstruction?
Preparing for an ACL reconstruction surgery involves several steps that aim to ensure the best possible outcome, better and speedy recovery. You should always consult the best ACL reconstruction doctors in Ahmedabad for additional instructions. Get your Pre-operative medical evaluation and ECG reports and prepare yourself for medications, Physical therapy, pre-operative fasting instructions and recovery.
How ACL Reconstruction Is Performed?
This procedure includes replacing the damaged ACL with a graft that is typically taken from the patient’s own body or a donor. The most common type of graft used is the patellar tendon, which is taken from the patient’s knee. Other graft options include hamstring tendons and cadaveric tendons.