What to Know Before Getting ACL Reconstruction Surgery

 If you are dealing with a serious knee injury and your doctor has recommended anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery, it is important to educate yourself about the procedure and what to expect before making a decision. 

ACL surgery is a major operation, so be sure to weigh all of your options and talk to your doctor about what is best for you. There are risks associated with any surgery, so be sure you understand those as well. By knowing what to expect, you can make an informed decision about whether or not ACL reconstruction surgery is right for you. Here's what you need to know.

What is Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery?

ACL reconstruction surgery is a surgical procedure to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament, which is one of the four main ligaments in the knee. The ACL can be injured through trauma, such as a fall or car accident, or it may tear due to overuse.

If you have an ACL injury and your doctor determines that surgery is necessary, then there are two possible procedures that can be performed:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery (ACL): 

This type of surgery involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft from another part of your body  

Hamstring Tendon Graft Reconstruction: 

This procedure uses a tendon from your hamstring muscle to replace the torn ACL

Both procedures have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consult with your physician in order to decide which procedure is best for you.

Who Should Consider Getting ACL Reconstruction Surgery

This is a surgery that can help athletes who have injured their ACL to return to their sport. But who should consider getting this surgery? There are many factors that need to be considered when making this decision. Here are a few:

  • Your knees "give out" within a year or two of injury.

  • You have a meniscus tear that's unlikely to heal without surgery (ACL).

  • You're an athlete, especially if you play contact sports like football or basketball.

If your ligament is still intact and stable then this procedure could cause more damage than good so talk to your doctor about whether this option would even work for you. There are some conditions where it may be recommended for individuals with ACL tears but not necessarily always the case.

The Risks of Undergoing this Procedure

The most common source of this graft is the patella tendon or hamstring tendons. Although there are synthetic materials available, they may lead to complications such as inflammation due to an immune response against them. 

There are also additional risks associated with harvesting tissue from other areas of your own body, including damage to blood vessels and nerves along the way. It's important to discuss these risks with your doctor before making a decision about whether or not to have the surgery 

The Benefits of Having ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Here are some of the benefits of having ACL reconstruction surgery. 

  • Improve stability

  • Recovery time after ACL reconstruction surgery is typically shorter than recovery time after other surgeries. 

  • The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis is lower after ACL reconstruction surgery than after other surgeries., 

  • Research has shown that people who have had ACL reconstruction surgery are more likely to return to their previous level of activity than those who have not had surgery. 

Tips for a Successful Recovery from an ACL Injury or Surgical Procedure

You will want to make sure that you have a successful recovery. Follow these tips to ensure that you make a quick and complete recovery. 

Your first priority should be finding the best doctor possible. Make sure to do your research and ask around for recommendations. Once you have chosen a doctor, make sure to follow their instructions closely. 

Recovery time will vary from individual to individual, but there are some general guidelines you can follow. Most people require between six and eight months of rehabilitation before they are fully recovered. During this time, it is important to stay positive and keep your focus on getting better. 

Finally, make sure to take care of yourself in the long term. This may mean cutting back on certain activities or taking a less rigorous class load in college.

As soon as you know you injured your knee, take pictures of your injury and make a timeline for what you receive from each medical professional that treats you. Write down when they told you to do something and when you followed through with it. It is also helpful to keep track of how much pain levels increase when following these instructions. 

After six weeks, ask yourself if another modality would be better suited for your recovery. The more informed you are about your own body and treatment plan, the easier it will be to get back up on your feet!