You should not Delay ACL Tear Surgery. The Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four most important ligaments of the knee. It joins the femur to tibia, and helps in stabilizing the knee.
It also plays a crucial role in allowing stability and mobility in rotatory and pivoting movements of the knee. The ACL can be easily damaged in athletes involved in sports like rugby, football, basketball etc.
ACL is prone to damage or sprain in movements which involves, twisting, cutback or when an individual is knocked. Such movements exert an unusual stress on the ligaments of the knee, specifically the anterior cruciate ligament and may cause it to overstretch or even tear.
At the time of the tear or stretch, a pop sound is heard sometimes, and the injury does not allow any further movement of the knee and leg. Shortly after the injury, severe pain is experienced, and the affected area becomes badly swollen.
Why one should not Delay ACL Tear Surgery
This makes it difficult for doctors or physiotherapists to examine the affected area physically and ascertain the degree of damage. The swelling subsides in four to five days, allowing physical examination by a doctor.
The ACL is incapable of repairing itself from severe damage. This means that a minor sprain in this ligament can be cured by physiotherapy and exercises, but a tear, rip or major injury cannot heal by itself.
A major damage to the ACL requires an orthopaedic surgery for reconstruction of the damaged ligament. This ACL reconstruction surgery uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques and causes small incisions and less pain. The surgery is relatively quick and offers a speedy recovery too.
It has been often seen that people who skip on the surgery for reconstruction of severely damaged ACL are at a greater risk of arthritis, cartilage damage and meniscus tears.
This is because the joint has a reduced amount of support because of the damage in a major ligament.
Who should consider ACL surgery?
People with ACL tear who have not found relief with non surgical treatment options are suggested to consider surgery. Jobs that include lifting stuff, walking around, standing for long hours etc. are hindered if the ligaments are unhealthy or damaged.
This is because a damaged ligament makes the knee unstable and does not allow it to bear weight.
What is the purpose of ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
ACL Reconstruction surgery is performed to repair and treat the torn ligament in the knee so that the joint can regain its normal functions.
People who are active in sports or have a generally active and hectic lifestyle are advised to undergo ACL reconstruction surgery as it restores the full range of motion and mobility in the affected knee. If a damaged ACL is left untreated, it paves way for knee instability and loss of its ability to bear weight.
Although there are no standards about who has to undergo a surgery for the treatment or not, a surgery is always recommended by doctors in case of significant or severe damage.
Some perquisites of patients who are favored of surgery are:
- A young age and an active lifestyle
- Participation in sports that involve movements like pivoting, jumping, acceleration or deceleration.
- High profile athletes
- Significant amount of instability in the knee.
It can be difficult to make a decision about ACL Reconstruction surgery. This is because of a number of factors, one of which is the long period of rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation after the surgery can last for months, depending on the damage. But it should always be kept in mind that skipping out on surgery will only worsen the condition of the damaged ligaments.
In the end, making a decision to have ACL reconstructive surgery can be difficult. Factors like duration of rehabilitation are considered because the rehabilitation after surgery lasts a number of months and full activity may be restricted up to a year.
Why should you choose only the best doctor for ACL Reconstruction surgery?
ACL reconstruction surgery requires expertise, skill and precision. Any negligence or lack of knowledge in the surgery can cause permanent damage to the knee.
Because of this, always make sure that you have the best team of doctors with you to minimise complications. Some complications that one might experience after ACL reconstruction surgery are listed below.
- Limited mobility and range of motion
- Stiffness in the knee
- Severe pain
- Numbness and loss of sensation near incisions after surgery
- Damage to blood vessels and nerves around the affected area
- Issues with the tendon graft
- Growth plate injury in children
Being a major surgery, there may be some cases where these side effects are seen. But having the best doctors with you will only help in minimizing the probability of these complications.
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