At SSM DePaul, our orthopedic surgeons specialize in sports related injuries, including ACL Reconstruction surgery. Each patient is cared for by a highly experienced team of orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and physical therapists who will guide them from pre-surgery education through post-surgery rehabilitation and recovery.
ACL Injuries
The Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a stabilizing ligament in the center of your knee that connects your thighbone to the shinbone. Young people who participate in sports that require pivoting or jumping are especially vulnerable. When your ACL tears, your knee gives out and soon begins to hurt and swell. A torn ACL does not heal on its own. Fortunately, reconstruction surgery can help many people to fully recover.
Surgery
ACL reconstruction surgery is performed using a combination of open surgery and arthroscopy, which involves inserting a camera into the knee through a small hole. The camera is connected to a video monitor that allows the surgeon to evaluate the damage.
Additional small incisions are made around the knee so the surgeon can replace the ACL with strong, healthy tissue taken from another area near your knee. A strip of tendon from under your kneecap (patellar tendon) or hamstring may be used. Your doctor threads the tissue through the inside of your knee joint and secures the ends to your thighbone and shinbone. At the end of the surgery, the incisions are closed, and a dressing is applied.
Recovery
Rehabilitation will be required to gradually return your knee to full flexibility and stability.
Initially following ACL reconstruction, patients can expect to be using crutches from one to three weeks. Early in rehabilitation, emphasis is placed on control of swelling and flexibility of the joint. As range of motion improves, an increased emphasis is placed on recovering strength.
Muscle strengthening is critical not only to recover muscle mass lost due to surgery, but also to improve stability and reduce stress on the joint ligaments. Normal activities can usually be resumed at about two to four months following surgery. Most athletes in high-demand sports can expect to return about six to seven months after surgical reconstruction.
Over 90% of patients are able to resume their previous level of activity after ACL reconstruction.