Manning is an expert in ACL reconstruction. Generally speaking, surgery to rebuild the ACL is very effective and the risks of surgery are relatively low in part because it is most often performed arthroscopically and also because Dr. When a patient comes to us looking to have their ACL reconstructed, we first make sure that they are a good candidate for a safe surgery. Further, if the patient experiences a combined injury – for example an ACL tear and a meniscus tear, surgery is usually the best course of action.Ĭhildren whose growth plates are still open are less likely to undergo surgical repair of an ACL tear due to the potential for stunted growth. If the surrounding structures are damaged, knee pain and disability may occur, and surgery may be inevitable. Longer-term, patients with an ACL injury may have repeated episodes of instability in the knee affecting surrounding structures including the meniscus or cartilage. The degree to which this instability interferes with their lifestyle will go a long way in determining whether surgery is indicated. Yet others, will experience instability of the knee even when doing normal daily activities or non-cutting sports. Rarely, a patient can perform all their normal activities even with a torn ACL, experiencing minimal or no instability, however this is most definitely the exception, not the rule. If they do not intend to participate in sports that would require cutting movements, they may be able to proceed without surgery, possibly only needing a stability aid, such as a knee brace.
The first consideration when evaluating a patient for ACL surgery is what their expected activity level will be. However, a complete tear of the ACL tends to have poor outcomes without surgery.ĭoes That Mean All Complete ACL Ruptures Require Surgery? Some patients still experience instability even after this time. Partially torn ACLs often respond well over the course of a 3- to 6-month rehabilitation program.
Therefore, a prompt visit to an orthopedic surgeon is important. While the initial injury creates pain, swelling and instability in the knee, some patients continue to push through causing more damage. This ligament runs diagonally across the middle of the knee and serves to keep it stable when we make turning or cutting movements, especially in sports.ĪCL injuries are very common, and many patients may know immediately that they have injured or torn the ligament. Sudden movements, strenuous activities or injuries can cause a tear of a ligament in the knee – most commonly the Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL. Over time, the four ligaments in the knee as well as the cartilage in the joint can begin to weaken and degenerate. The knee is a complex and weight-bearing joint structure that bears the brunt of most of our activities during the day.
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