An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a common injury, especially for athletes.
ACL surgery is often recommended to restore knee stability and allow for a return to physical activity.
Who Is Indicated for ACL Surgery?
ACL surgery is typically recommended for individuals with complete tears, especially those with active lifestyles or who play sports such as soccer, basketball, or football that involve pivoting and cutting movements.
For competitive athletes, surgery helps reduce the risk of further knee injuries, such as meniscus tears.
Non-surgical options like physical therapy may suffice for older adults or those with a less active lifestyle. Those involved in lower-impact activities like running or cycling can often return to regular routines without surgery.
How Soon Should You Get ACL Surgery?
ACL reconstruction is generally performed 3 to 6 weeks after the initial injury to allow inflammation to decrease and to ensure better knee flexibility.
Performing surgery too early increases the risk of joint stiffness due to arthrofibrosis.
However, delaying surgery beyond six months raises the likelihood of additional knee injuries, such as
- Meniscus tears
- Cartilage damage
What Is the Process of ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
During ACL reconstruction, the torn ligament is replaced with a graft from the patient’s tendon or a donor.
This minimally invasive procedure uses an arthroscope, inserted through small incisions, to visualize and repair the knee.
Over time, the graft tissue integrates with the bone, functioning as a new ACL.
What Are the Benefits of ACL Surgery?
ACL surgery provides several key benefits, particularly for those aiming to return to sports or an active lifestyle:
- Restored Knee Stability: The surgery restores knee stability, preventing the knee from buckling or giving out during physical activity.
- Improved Function: Patients experience improved mobility and function, allowing them to engage in everyday tasks and physical activities without discomfort or instability.
- Reduced Risk of Further Injury: By stabilizing the knee, surgery reduces the likelihood of injuring other knee structures, such as the meniscus or cartilage.
- Return to Sports: For athletes, ACL surgery allows a safe return to their previous level of competition, especially in high-impact sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing.
- Prevention of Osteoarthritis: Restoring correct knee mechanics significantly lowers the risk of developing osteoarthritis over time, a frequent complication of untreated ACL injuries.
What Is the Prognosis After ACL Surgery?
The prognosis after ACL surgery is generally favorable, especially for patients who follow a structured rehabilitation program.
Key factors influencing recovery include:
- High Success Rates: ACL surgery has an 80-90% success rate, with most patients regaining complete knee stability and returning to their pre-injury activity level.
- Recovery Timeline: Recovery typically takes 9 to 12 months, depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s commitment to physical therapy.
- The process involves reducing swelling, regaining motion, and gradually strengthening the knee through sport-specific training.
- Risk of Reinjury: Although there is a risk of reinjury, especially for younger and highly active individuals, modern surgical techniques and rehabilitation programs help lower this risk.
- Long-Term Knee Health: Patients who undergo ACL surgery may have a slightly increased risk of osteoarthritis, but proper surgical repair and diligent rehabilitation can help delay or prevent joint degeneration.
If you’re considering ACL surgery, consult a specialized orthopedic surgeon to discuss your best treatment options.
Early diagnosis and personalized care can significantly improve recovery and long-term knee health.
