ACL Injury: Does It Require Surgery?

ACL surgery is the surgical replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.

3 bones form the knee joint:

Thighbone
Shinbone
Patella (Kneecap)

Ligaments connect these bones internally. ACL is one such knee ligament that stabilizes your knee.

ACL surgery helps to restore a pain-free range of motion, stability, and function to a knee joint after the ACL injury.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery: When Is It Needed?

Not all cases of an ACL torn ligament require surgery.

Your doctor may recommend surgery to treat complete ACL tears for:

Young and active individuals who want to return to heavy labor or sports that require extensive movements of the knee
Other knee injuries, along with ACL tear
Persistent knee pain
Knee buckle during routine activities, such as walking

Your doctor may only consider ACL surgery if it suits your needs and lifestyle.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery: How to Prepare?

You may be asked

Questions on your complete medical and drug history

For a few imaging tests to monitor your overall health condition (ECG or Blood Tests)
To Lose excess weight before the surgery through a healthy diet and exercise plan
To fast for 12 hours before the surgery
To stop smoking for a few days, as smoking delays the healing process
To stop taking certain medications like blood thinners as per your doctor’s advise

How ACL Reconstruction Is Performed

Surgery is usually performed under anesthesia

The surgeon uses a graft to replace the ligament.

Common grafts are:

Autografts (own body parts)
Allografts (from donors)

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery: Post-Operative Care

Take pain medications (as prescribed)
keep your incision clean and dry
Take adequate rest
Apply ice to your knee (to alleviate pain and decreases swelling)
Do not miss any follow-up visits

ACL Reconstruction: What to Expect After Surgery?

You will be discharged on the same day of surgery if your vitals are stable.
You may experience mild pain and restricted movements for several months
You will wear a knee brace and crutches for several weeks after surgery.
Your doctor will also refer you to physical therapy to help you restore your range of motion and build your knee strength.
Full recovery takes at least four to six months but may take a year.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery: When to Call Your Doctor?

Call your doctor immediately if you experience the following:

Pain and Fever
Swelling or pus discharge from knee joints
Bleeding
Breathing problems
Swelling of the calf, ankle, or foot
Inability to urinate or pass bowels

Myth and Fact: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery

Myth: The knee has to be cut wide open

Fact: Arthroscopy is the method to reconstruct a torn ACL. With this method, you have less scarring and blood loss. Your knee is not cut wide open, and you will heal faster.

Dos and Don’ts: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery

Do’s