ACL injuries impact both non-athletes and athletes in the United States. The ACL is a vital ligament within the knee which offers stability and helps support moves like pivoting, leaping, and sudden directions changes. Unfortunately, due to its insufficient healing capacity, ACL reconstruction or surgery is usually required to restore knee function after tear.
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Make informed choices if you have an ACL injury.
The ACL The role of the ACL and why it is required
The ACL connects the femur (thighbone) and the tibia (shinbone). It is vital in stabilizing the joint of the knee when it is moved. The knee’s stability is greatly impaired when the ACL is injured, whether due to a sudden change when landing on a bump or a bump, or from playing high-impact sports. ACL tears can result in discomfort and swelling. They can also make the knee feel as if it “gives out” when you are active.
ACLs are less self-healing than other ligaments. Therefore, surgery is the only effective way 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 is the replacement of a torn ACL ligament with a brand new graft. The graft might originate from the body of the patient or another donor. The quadriceps tendons, as well as the patellar (BTB), are two of the most commonly used grafts. Each of these grafts has distinct advantages.
Quadriceps Tendon is a well-known graft with a strong strength and minimal donor site complications, this graft can provide stability particularly for athletes who are returning to high-impact sports.
Patellar Tendon (BTB): Oft referred as the “gold standard” in ACL reconstruction, this graft is ideal for people who require maximum stability.
Dr. Burnham has extensive experience as a fellowship trained ACL surgeon. He has conducted exhaustive research to identify the best graft option for knee stability and durability. There are also a few negative long-term side effects.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
The past experience has been that ACL reconstruction techniques put the graft in an unnatural position, meaning it didn’t precisely align with the original ligament’s natural location. This could lead to inadequate results, like less stability and an increased likelihood of injury. Modern advances in imaging technology and surgical research have transformed the way ACL reconstruction is conducted.
ACL surgeons of the present, like Dr. Burnham, use advanced techniques to replace the ACL exactly in the spot it was. The anatomical alignment aligns this new ligament to the knee’s mechanics and increases stability and functionality. The benefits of precision are:
Reducing the risk of Re-injury
Better long-term knee health
Lower risk of developing arthritis
The focus is on precision: the importance of graft sizing
A successful ACL reconstruction is contingent on the proper size of the graft that is appropriate for the patient. Utilizing MRI imaging combined with direct surgical examinations, surgeons can modify the graft for every person. A graft that is too small won’t offer enough stability. A graft too big could result in complications. By tailoring the procedure to each patient, ACL surgeons optimize both healing and function.
Why choose a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon?
The experience of your surgeon is crucial for the success of your ACL procedure. Fellowship-trained ACL specialists, like Dr. Burnham are highly skilled and have extensive experience in treating complex knee injuries. They’re equipped with latest surgical techniques and can provide individualized treatment to each patient, leading to improved outcomes.
Recovery and Long-Term Benefits
The majority of patients will return to previous levels of activity following ACL reconstruction if they follow the correct rehabilitation. Physical therapy is a vital component of rehabilitation. It is a great way to build up the muscles around them, and help to restore range-of-motion.
ACL surgery has seen improvements in recent years, resulting in improved long-term results, like a lower risk of re-injury as well as increased knee stability. Modern ACL techniques are an excellent option for those who want to get back on the field or return to the active lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction has made significant progress, thanks to modern technology and research as well as the experience of specially trained ACL surgeons like Dr. Burnham. Modern techniques are built on precision, individualized care as well as advanced imaging. This provides patients with the best chance of a long-term recovery as well as knee health.
Contact an ACL surgeon if you suffer from an ACL injury. They can guide you through your options to ensure the best outcome.