Options for the Treatment of ACL Injury
Posted on September 16, 2009
Filed Under Sports Medicine | Leave a Comment
Joints are held together with ligaments. Sometimes a ligament can tear causing a great deal of pain. The anterior cruciate ligament is located at the center of your knee. It prevents your tibia (shin bone) from moving forward onto your femur (thigh bone).
A torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) can cause your knee to collapse during strenuous activity. Not only is this immediately dangerous, it can lead to repeated collapse, causing cartilage damage and arthritis.
Fortunately, damaged ligaments can be replaced. ACL reconstructive surgery replaces your old anterior cruciate ligament with a new one. This new ligament could come from you (autograft) or from a cadaver (allograft).
If you decide to use an autograft, the tissue will probably come from your hamstring or the front of your knee (your patellar tendon).
There are pros and cons to both types of grafts; however, both are usually successful for most people. Talk with your surgeon to find out more.
Click here for more on treating ACL tears .
ACL Reconstruction is usually done under general anesthesia using arthroscopy.
Arthroscopy allows your surgeon to see the interior of your knee via a tiny camera inserted through a poke-hole. This allows your surgeon to see, not only the torn ACL , but also any other problems you may be having with your knee. These problems can be addressed during your ACL reconstruction.
If you are using an autograft, there will be one large incision (also called an open incision) made to remove this tissue. Additionally, your surgeon will access the areas to be worked on via several small incisions around the knee. These will be used to place your new ligament. Your old ligament will be removed, then the surgeon will make bone tunnels to place the new ligament in the same position as the old one. The new ligament will be secured with surgical fasteners such as screws.
When your surgery is done and your incisions have been closed, your knee will be bandaged, and you will be given time to recover from your anesthesia. At this time, you may be able to see the video of your surgery and confer with your surgeon on his or her findings and any concerns or questions you may have in mind.
Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Portland SLAP Tear Repairs and Portland Shoulder Injuries.
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