ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Experience Relief. Regain Mobility.
If you are an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who enjoys physical activities, a knee injury can be frustrating and disheartening.
One of the most common knee injuries is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. If you’ve sustained this type of injury, you might be considering ACL reconstruction surgery to restore your knee’s stability and function.
What is an ACL Reconstruction?
An ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure aimed at replacing a torn anterior cruciate ligament, one of the key ligaments that helps stabilise the knee joint. The ACL runs diagonally in the middle of the knee and plays a critical role in movements that involve sudden stops and changes in direction, which are common in sports. When the ACL is torn—often due to activities like pivoting, jumping, or landing awkwardly—surgery may be necessary to restore knee stability.
During the surgery, your surgeon will replace the torn ACL with a graft, which is in most cases taken from your own body. Commonly, this will be your hamstring tendons, or elements of your quadriceps tendon, or patella tendon. The type of graft used will depend on various factors, including your activity level and personal preference.
What are the benefits of an ACL Reconstruction?
Undergoing ACL reconstruction offers several advantages.
Restoration of Knee Stability: One of the primary goals of an ACL Reconstruction is to restore the stability of your knee, allowing you to return to normal activities and sports safely.
Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant discomfort or instability after an ACL injury. Surgery can help alleviate these symptoms but restoring the stability of the knee, and allowing patients to regain the confidence in their knee they experienced before their injury.
Improved Quality of Life: After successful rehabilitation, most patients find they can resume their favourite activities and sports, contributing to overall physical and emotional well-being.
Long-Term Joint Health: ACL reconstruction surgery can help prevent further damage to the knee joint, reducing the risk of developing arthritis or other long-term knee issues.
What are some of the risks and complications of an ACL Reconstruction?
As with any surgical procedure, ACL reconstruction carries certain risks, although they are generally low.
Some of the risks you need to be aware of before having an ACL reconstruction include:
There is a small risk of infection at the surgical site, and infection of the knee joint. This can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics, however in a small number of cases may require additional surgery, and revision of the ACL reconstruction.
After the surgery, some patients experience stiffness in the knee. Engaging in physiotherapy, and following your surgeon's mobility guidelines can help minimise this.
Although ACL reconstruction is highly successful, there is a chance that the graft may fail, especially if adequate rehabilitation isn’t followed or if a return to high-impact activities is too rapid.
As with any surgery, there's a risk of blood clots forming in the leg. At Ortho ARC Brisbane will implement preventive measures to reduce this risk, including post operative medications and early range of motion exercises and activities.
About Dr Blake Fidock
MBBS (Hons. 1), MTrauma (Ortho), FRACS (Ortho), FAOrthA
Orthopaedic Surgeon
What is involved in the process of having an ACL Reconstruction?
Preoperative Evaluation: Before your surgery, your surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation. This includes obtaining your medical history, performing a physical examination, and conducting imaging tests like MRIs to assess the extent of the injury.
The Procedure: ACL reconstruction surgery usually takes between 1 to 2 hours and is usually performed under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon will create small incisions around the knee to insert instruments and reconstruct the ACL with the graft material. After reconstructing the ACL, your surgeon will ensure that everything is properly aligned before closing the incisions.
Recovery in the Hospital: After the procedure, you will typically stay in the hospital for a few hours or overnight for monitoring and pain management. Many patients are able to go home the same day, however this is not an absolute necessity, and an overnight stay is welcomed to manage pain and ensure you are safely mobilising prior to discharge.
What is involved in the recovery and rehabilitation following an ACL Reconstruction?
Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation begins as soon as possible after surgery. A structured physiotherapy program will focus on regaining range of motion, strengthening the knee, and restoring function. Physiotherapists are trained to help you progress safely at each stage of recovery.
Getting Home Safely: Initially, you may use crutches or a brace to support your knee. Our team at Ortho ARC Brisbane will provide you with guidelines on how to care for your surgical site and manage pain with medications and ice therapy.
Progressive Return to Activities: Most patients can expect to gradually return to non-impact activities within a few months. Full recovery, particularly for athletes, can take anywhere from six to twelve months, depending on various factors, including the type of graft used and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. It's essential to follow your surgeons and physiotherapists instructions closely to ensure a safe return to sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients are suitable for an ACL reconstruction if they have a complete tear of the ACL, experience knee instability, or are athletes looking to return to high-impact sports. A thorough evaluation by your orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Blake Fidock, will help determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
The graft used for ACL reconstruction will be autograft, that is, it is taken from a donor site somewhere else in your body. Autografts commonly include the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or quadriceps tendon. Your surgeon will discuss the best option based on your specific circumstances, activity level, and personal preferences.
Postoperative pain is normal and can vary from person to person. Our team at Ortho ARC Brisbane will work with you to manage pain effectively using medications and ice therapy. While discomfort is expected, the goal is to keep pain at a manageable level so you can engage in rehabilitation exercises.
The timeline for returning to sports and high-impact activities can range from 6 to 12 months, depending on the individual and the specific demands of the sport. It’s important to ensure that you have regained strength, stability, and functional range of motion before resuming athletic activities. Your physiotherapist and surgeon will help guide your return to sports safely.
Final Comments
ACL reconstruction can be a pivotal step in your recovery from a knee injury, allowing you to regain stability, strength, and the freedom to participate in sports and activities you love. While the journey to full recovery may be challenging, with the right approach, support, and commitment to rehabilitation, you can look forward to returning to a more active lifestyle.
Understanding the procedure, addressing risks, and engaging in a structured rehabilitation program can empower you throughout this process. If you have suffered an ACL injury and are considering surgery, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Ortho ARC Brisbane. We are here to provide guidance, answer your questions, and support you on your journey to recovery.
Contact us today
and take the first steps in your journey to
Experiencing Relief, and Regaining Your Mobility.