ACL Repair Surgery: An Effective Treatment for the dreaded ACL Tear

Anterior Cruciate Ligament is one of the most dominant of four vigorous ligaments that connect bones of the knee joint. Ligaments are robust and dense structures composed of connective tissues that stabilize a joint. They are responsible for connecting bone to bone across the joint.

The function of ACL is to provide strength to the knee and reduce stress across the knee joint:

  • Basically, it controls the excessive forward motion of the tibia (lower leg bone) in relation to the femur (thigh bone).
  • It restrains the inward twisting or rotation of the knee.

Reasons of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

A tear to the ACL results from overstretching of this ligament inside the knee.The ACL tear, being the indicator for ACL reconstruction, happens due to both contact and non-contact mechanism.

Contact Mechanism

  • Slipping down on an extended knee.
  • Playing with the foot planted on the ground and getting hit on the lateral side of the knee.

Noncontact Mechanism

  • Its usually due to a sudden stop and twisting motion of the knee, or a blow to the front of the knee.
  • Stopping suddenly with legs overextended or slightly bent.
  • Improper landing after jumping from an extreme height.

The extent of the tear can be a partial or a complete tear. Instability or a sensation that the knee is giving out may be a serious complaint following this injury. An efficient repair requires completely replacing torn ligaments, and it can be done successfully with ACL Repair Surgery.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair Surgery
ACL repair is the primary choice and the leading aid of surgically managed ACL injuries. It is accomplished arthroscopically or endoscopically promoting less tissue damage and faster recovery. During ACL repair, a tissue graft is used to duplicate the task of damaged ligament thereby stabilizing the knee. Typically, an ACL repair operation takes two to three hours of time span.

Rehabilitation Following ACL Repair Surgery
Goals for rehabilitation of ACL repair include minimizing knee swelling, maintaining flexibility of the kneecap to obstruct anterior knee pain problems as well as regaining full range of motion of the knee. For most individuals with a torn ACL, surgery will restore strength to the knee. Reconstructed knees are staunch and steady. The knee will not give out unexpectedly and will permit the person to return to daily work and athletic activities without any compromises. A protective brace is often suggested for athletic activities and some patients may feel a higher sense of security by wearing one.

The patient may return to sports when there is no longer swelling, when full knee range of movements has been achieved, and when the strength of the muscle, endurance and functional use of the leg have been fully restored. He must follow up with exercises designed to improve neuromuscular control.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery Cost in India

Cost of ACL surgery varies across the country depending upon the facilities. In most of the countries, the total cost of ACL surgery can be as high as $12,000. While in India, cost of ACL reconstruction approximately starts from $3000 and varies with the type of procedure, surgeon, the facility you choose to get surgery done. ACL repair is also performed as a minimally invasive surgery which results in speedy recovery and one can expect to return to functional level of activity with aggressive rehabilitation.

Source:
https://travcure.com/anterior-cruciate-ligament-surgery/