An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can happen to anyone, especially if you play sports or do activities that involve a lot of running, jumping, or sudden movements. The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a tough band of tissue inside your knee that helps keep it stable. When this ligament gets torn or damaged, it can be very painful and might make it hard for you to move your knee.
What Is the ACL?
Your knee is made up of three bones: the thighbone (femur), the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). These bones are held together by strong ligaments, including the ACL. The ACL is super important because it keeps your knee from moving too much, especially when you twist or turn your leg.
When Do You Need Surgery for an ACL Injury?
Not everyone with an ACL injury needs surgery. Doctors usually recommend surgery if:
- You’re Young and Active: If you play sports or do physical activities that require a lot of knee movement.
- Other Knee Injuries: If you have other injuries in your knee along with the ACL tear.
- Persistent Pain: If your knee hurts a lot even after trying other treatments.
- Knee Instability: If your knee keeps buckling or giving out when you walk or do everyday activities.
If these situations sound like you, your doctor might suggest ACL surgery to help fix your knee.
How to Get Ready for ACL Surgery
Before your surgery, your doctor will help you prepare by:
- Asking About Your Health: They’ll want to know your medical history and any medicines you’re taking.
- Running Tests: You might need tests like blood work or an ECG to make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
- Losing Weight: If you’re overweight, your doctor may ask you to lose some weight to make surgery safer.
- Fasting: You might need to stop eating or drinking for about 12 hours before surgery.
- Stopping Smoking: Smoking can slow down your healing, so you may need to quit a few days before surgery.
- Stopping Certain Medicines: Some medicines, like blood thinners, may need to be stopped before surgery, but only if your doctor says so.
How Is ACL Surgery Done?
During ACL surgery, the surgeon will usually put you to sleep with anesthesia so you don’t feel anything. They’ll then replace the damaged ACL with a new ligament, called a graft. The graft can come from your own body (like from another part of your knee or leg) or from a donor.
Taking Care of Yourself After ACL Surgery
After surgery, you’ll need to take good care of your knee to help it heal. Here’s what you should do:
- Take Your Medicine: Your doctor will give you pain medicine to help with any discomfort.
- Keep the Area Clean: Make sure the area around your surgery stays clean and dry.
- Rest: It’s important to rest and avoid putting too much weight on your knee.
- Use Ice: Applying ice can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Follow-Up Visits: Don’t miss your follow-up appointments with your doctor.
What to Expect After Surgery
- Going Home: You can usually go home the same day as your surgery if you’re feeling okay.
- Recovery Time: It may take several months to fully recover. During this time, you might experience some pain and have to limit your movements.
- Using Crutches: You’ll probably need to use crutches and wear a knee brace for a few weeks.
- Physical Therapy: Your doctor will recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and flexibility in your knee.
- Full Recovery: It might take 4-6 months or even up to a year to fully recover from ACL surgery.
When to Call Your Doctor
After surgery, contact your doctor right away if you experience:
- Pain and Fever
- Swelling or Pus Discharge from Your Knee
- Bleeding
- Trouble Breathing
- Swelling in Your Calf, Ankle, or Foot
- Problems Urinating or Having a Bowel Movement
Myths vs. Facts About ACL Surgery
- Myth: The doctor will have to cut my knee wide open.
- Fact: Most ACL surgeries are done using a technique called arthroscopy, which only requires small cuts. This means less scarring, less blood loss, and a quicker recovery.
Dos and Don’ts After ACL Surgery
- Do:
- Keep your knee straight.
- Attend all your physical therapy sessions.
- Wear your knee brace.
- Use ice and heat pads as recommended.
- Don’t:
- Skip your medicines.
- Schedule any other surgeries during your recovery.
- Put weight on your knee too soon.
- Engage in physical activities before your doctor says it’s okay.
If you’re dealing with an ACL injury, don’t wait! Book an appointment with the best orthopedic doctor in Solapur, Dr. Nikhil Gadre, to get expert care and get back on your feet.
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