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 that replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament, one of the key ligaments that stabilises the knee joint. The ACL runs diagonally through the middle of the knee and plays an important role in movements involving sudden stops and changes in direction. ACL tears commonly occur during pivoting, jumping or awkward landings, and surgery may be considered when the knee remains unstable.
During surgery, your surgeon replaces the torn ACL with a graft, usually taken from your own body. The graft may come from the hamstring, quadriceps or patellar tendon. Graft choice is based on your injury, activity level and personal preferences.
What are the benefits of an ACL Reconstruction?
Undergoing ACL reconstruction offers several advantages.
Restoration of Knee Stability: One of the primary goals of ACL reconstruction is to restore knee stability and support your return to daily activities and sport after rehabilitation.
Pain Relief: ACL injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort and reconstruction helps alleviate these symptoms.
Quality of Life: After rehabilitation, ACL reconstruction helps many patients feel more confident in using their knee again for everyday movements like walking and stairs, but also supporting them to return to the sport and activities they love.
Long-Term Joint Health: By restoring stability, ACL reconstruction can reduce repeated episodes of the knee giving way and help protect the meniscus and cartilage from further or future injury.
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:
Meet our Orthopaedic Specialists
Dr Blake Fidock and Dr Mirun Thayaparan provide assessment and treatment for a range of orthopaedic conditions across Brisbane.
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?
Recovery Physiotherapy:Â Rehabilitation begins soon after surgery. A structured physiotherapy program works to regain range of motion, strengthen the knee and restore function. Your physiotherapist will guide your progress through 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: Follow your surgeon's and physiotherapist's instructions closely to support a safer return to sport and activities, and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Experience Relief. Regain Mobility.
Contact Ortho ARC today to schedule your consultation.