Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most prevalent sports-related injuries that occur in the United States, affecting athletes as well as active people alike. The ACL is a crucial ligament within the knee joint, responsible in ensuring stability and supporting movements such as pivoting, jumping, and sudden directional changes. ACL reconstruction and surgeries are frequently required to restore knee function following the injury because of its poor ability to heal.
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If you’ve been diagnosed with an ACL injury, knowing the procedure for ACL reconstruction as well as the role played by an experienced ACL surgeon, and advancements in surgical techniques can assist you to make informed decisions regarding the treatment you’ll receive.
The role of the ACL and the Reasons Reconstruction is Often Required
The ACL is the ligament connecting the tibia to the femur. It plays an essential role in stabilizing the knee during movement. If the ACL is injured, it can be result of a twisting motion, landing in an awkward position, or even a high-impact sports. The instability of the joint. Symptoms of an ACL tear often include swelling, pain, and a sensation of the knee “giving out” during activity.
ACLs are not as self-healing as other ligaments, so surgery is the sole effective treatment. ACL Surgery typically involves either repairing the ligament in rare cases or reconstructing it using a tendon graft.
What Is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
ACL reconstruction involves replacing the injured ligament with a graft. The graft can come from the body of the patient (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). The quadriceps and patellar tendons (BTB) are among the most popular grafts. Each of these grafts comes with unique advantages:
Quadriceps tendon: Due to its high strength and a lack of complications at the donor site, this graft offers solid stability, particularly for those who are returning to high-impact activities.
Patellar Tendon (BTB): It is often referred to as the “gold standard” in ACL reconstruction this graft is the best for people who require maximum stability.
Dr. Burnham has extensive experience as a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon. He has performed thorough research to determine the most effective graft choice for knee stability and durability. There are likewise no long-term side effects.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
Historically, ACL reconstruction techniques put the graft in a non-anatomic position, meaning it didn’t align precisely with the original ligament’s natural location. This could lead to poor results, such as lower stability as well as a higher risk of re-injury. New advances in imaging technology, surgical research, and many other aspects have changed the way ACL reconstructions are carried out.
Today, expert ACL surgeons like Dr. Burnham use advanced techniques to position the ligament precisely where the original ACL was. The position is anatomically accurate and aligns with the knee’s natural mechanics. It improves function and stability. The advantages of this precise positioning include:
Risk reduction for injury
Better long-term knee health
More likely to not develop arthritis
Precision Matters: The Relevance of Graft Sizing
One of the essential aspects of a successful ACL reconstruction is to ensure that the graft is in the correct size for the patient’s knee. By using MRI images and direct surgery, surgeons can modify the graft to the individual’s anatomy. A graft which is too small could not be able to withstand the strain or a graft that is oversized can cause complications. By tailoring the procedure to every patient, ACL surgeons optimize both healing and function.
Why Choose an ACL Surgeon who has been trained by a fellowship?
The knowledge of your surgeon is crucial for the successful completion of ACL surgery. The fellowship-trained ACL specialists, such as Dr. Burnham are highly skilled and have extensive experience in treating complex knee injuries. They are equipped with the most modern surgical techniques, and are able to offer individualized care to every patient, leading to improved outcomes.
Long-Term and Recovery Benefits
The majority of patients will return to previous levels of activity following ACL reconstruction if they follow the correct rehabilitation. Physical therapy plays a major part in the recovery process. It assists in strengthening the surrounding muscles and improve mobility.
Because of advances in ACL surgery patients are experiencing better long-term results, including less re-injury rates and improved knee stability. Modern ACL reconstruction techniques can help you regain your active lifestyle, or return to sport.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction is advancing thanks to advances in technology research, the experience of trained fellowship-trained ACL surgeons like Dr. Burnham. By focusing on precision advanced imaging, and personalized treatment, modern surgical methods offer patients the greatest chances for a speedy rehabilitation and lasting knee health.
Contact with an ACL surgeon if you suffer from an ACL injury. They can help you through your options to achieve the best possible result.
