Whether you're an athlete or not, there is a possibility that you may sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury at some point in your life. ACL injuries are quite common and can cause a lot of pain and inconvenience, leading to the need for rehabilitation or surgery in some cases. Today's blog topic will answer the question: when is an ACL reconstruction procedure necessary?

Understanding ACL Injuries
Before discussing when an ACL reconstruction procedure is necessary, it's important to understand what an ACL injury is. The ACL is one of four main ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. It is responsible for connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). When it is injured, there is a feeling of instability, swelling, and pain in the knee. ACL injuries can occur during various activities, such as sports, or even just stepping off a curb.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for ACL Injuries
Not all ACL injuries require surgery. Depending on your level of activity, age, health, and the severity of the injury, your doctor may suggest non-surgical treatment options such as physical therapy, exercises, and bracing. If these options fail to bring significant improvement, surgery may be recommended.

When Is an ACL Reconstruction Procedure Necessary?
An ACL reconstruction procedure is typically recommended when the ACL is either completely torn or partially torn but insufficient to support the knee in high-risk situations. Additionally, an ACL reconstruction procedure may be necessary if you have injured other structures in your knee, such as the meniscus or multiple ligaments. Additionally, if your knee has developed instability, making daily activities difficult, then you may need an ACL reconstruction procedure.

The Procedure
An ACL reconstruction procedure involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft. There are different types of grafts that can be used, including autograft (using your own tissue) and allograft (using donor tissue). The goal of the procedure is to restore the function of the knee, prevent further damage, and allow for a return to normal activities.

Prevention of ACL Injuries
While ACL injuries are common, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of tearing your ACL. These include proper training, strengthening the muscles around the knee, using proper equipment, wearing supportive footwear, and warming up and stretching before activities. Additionally, avoiding high-risk activities or taking breaks during activities to rest and rehydrate can also reduce the risk of injury.

An ACL reconstruction procedure may be necessary if you have sustained a torn ACL. To learn more about ACL reconstruction, contact a doctor near you.