Common Causes of ACL Injuries
Most ACL injuries occur during sports or activities with sudden stops, changes of direction or quick rotations. These movements may lead to the ACL being torn and range from minor strains and partial tears to complete tears.
Common causes of ACL injuries include:
Rapid pivoting or sudden stops while running or jumping
Direct impact to the knee joint during contact sports like rugby or football
Poor landing mechanics after jumping
Uneven surfaces or sudden directional changes
Women are statistically more prone to ACL injuries than men, largely due to differences in skeletal and knee joint anatomy and hormonal influences that are currently being studied and may impact the elasticity of collagen in the knee.
Women are also less likely to return to sport and more likely to re-tear their acl again after surgery, so it is imperative your treating surgeon and physiotherapy team have expertise in treating female athletes.
What Is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
When ACL injuries result in instability, knee pain or the inability to return to physical activity, surgery may be necessary. ACL reconstruction surgery is a common procedure used to repair a torn ACL by replacing it with graft tissue. This helps restore knee function and stability to enable the patient to return to daily activities.
During this surgical procedure, the damaged ACL is removed and replaced with either donor tissue (allograft) or your own tissue (autograft), patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon or hamstring tendons (either 1 or 2 of them). The replacement ligament is anchored into the knee joint with interference screws, or suspensory buttons attached to strong cord placed under tension, or a combination of the two.
What to Expect During the ACL Surgery Procedure
ACL reconstruction involves careful preparation and surgical precision. The surgical procedure typically follows these steps:
General anaesthetic or local anaesthetic: Depending on the patient's medical condition and preferences, either type of anaesthetic will be used after discussion with the anaesthetic team.
4- 5 small incisions are made near the knee joint to access the damaged ACL, access the material to be used for the new ACL and to fix the graft in place along with repairing any other damaged structures such as meniscus body, meniscus root or articular cartilage.
The damaged ACL is removed, and the new graft is prepared for insertion.
The new ACL ligament is placed in the knee joint and secured with surgical screws or other fixation methods.
A clear view of the area is maintained using knee arthroscopy, which allows the surgeon to inspect the knee joint in high definition or 4K on a wide screen monitor.
Surgery usually takes around one to two hours to complete and provides a path to recovery and rehabilitation to all the activities you want to enjoy again Though most patients are walking comfortably after 2 weeks and jogging after 3 months, return to pivoting sports such as football or netball is only advised after 12 months once the new graft is biologically mature and has undergone the process of ligamentization.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards a pain-free, instability free, active life, schedule a consultation with The West London Knee & Hip Clinic today. We’ll help you explore your options and create a personalised treatment plan unique to you.
Knee ACL Repairs and Recovery Time: Rehabilitation
Recovery after knee ACL surgery is vital to returning to normal activities. While recovery time depends on individual health factors, rehabilitation is key to ensuring the knee returns to full function.
After surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, pain and restricted movement. A dedicated physiotherapy programme optimises recovery by improving knee function, reducing swelling and restoring strength in the surrounding muscles.
Rehabilitation often involves:
Using a knee brace to support the healing joint, especially if other damaged structures are fixed, e.g. meniscus or cartilage.
Following a progressive physiotherapy plan to strengthen thigh and calf muscles.
Performing mobility exercises to improve the range of motion.
Physiotherapists work with patients to improve joint stability, strength and coordination, reducing the risk of complications. Most patients can return to light physical activity within weeks, though intense activity may take months to resume.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your ACL Repair
Selecting an innovative, experienced, forward thinking and kind orthopaedic surgeon is critical for successful ACL surgery. Look for specialists with expertise in ACL reconstruction surgery and knee surgery, particularly those well-versed in knee arthroscopy and advanced surgical treatments, ideally those with Fellowship training. Make sure you meet with, trust and get on with your surgeon as this is important if any difficulties or complications are encountered.
At The West London Knee & Hip Clinic, we offer access to highly skilled surgeons who have exceptional patient feedback, first class training in London, Sydney and Barcelona who specialise in repairing ACL injuries, ensuring every patient receives personalised and comprehensive care.
Final Thoughts: Are You a Candidate for ACL Surgery?
Whether you’ve experienced a partial or complete tear, surgical and non-surgical treatments are available.
If surgery is deemed necessary, reconstruction surgery, combined with rehabilitation and physiotherapy, can provide excellent long-term outcomes, reducing pain and getting your knee back to performing well.
If you’re considering ACL reconstruction surgery, speak with an experienced surgeon to discuss your needs, the risks involved and your recovery options.
Watch Dr Imbuldeniya speak about female ACL injuries in the new sports documentary “Breaking point”
Get Free from Pain - Contact The West London Knee & Hip Clinic Today.
Don’t let knee pain or ACL injuries impact your lifestyle. Contact our clinic in London today to learn more about ACL repairs, surgical treatments and recovery plans tailored to you.
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