Do You Need Knee Surgery?

Anterior cruciate ligament or ACL surgery has become one of the most prominent orthopedic surgical procedures overseas. Do you know anyone who has ever required a knee surgery? Maybe you need it yourself. 

Image

About ACL Surgery:

• Surgeons use grafts for ligament replacement
• Autografts are most common in ACL surgery

An autograft procedure uses a part of your own body ( tendon of the kneecap or a hamstring tendon).

 What is an avulsion fracture?

• It’s a separation of the ligament from main bone surface
• Usually a bone fragment is also connected to torn ligament
• Bone fragment has to be connected to the ACL
• The ACL then must be reconnected to main bone surface

Image

FYI, not all ACL tears require surgical procedures. Therapy sessions recommended by your orthopedic physician might be a better solution. This is a mutual decision that must be made by you & your doctor.

When is ACL surgery really required?

• Complete ACL tears must go through surgery
• When rehab therapy has been unsuccessful
• Most sports injuries that require full ACL restructuring
• ACL chronic deficiencies that affect the quality of your life
• Injuries in other parts of the knee occur (cartilage, etc.)

During ACL Surgery:

• ACL Surgery involves small incisions in the knee
• Scope inserted through incisions (Arthroscopic Surgery)
• Open surgery option also available (large incision in the knee)
• Arthroscopic Surgery is easier method, better recovery
• Visualization of the knee structure done through video
• Can be done simultaneously as diagnostic arthroscopy  
• Arthroscopy may contain fewer risks than open surgery
• Arthroscopic surgery is an outpatient method (in a day clinic)
• physical therapy after ACL surgery may take months – years

Watch Video:

Up next, we look at options for ACL surgery overseas.

Stay tuned, happy memorial weekend.

AE