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Understanding ACL Knee Surgery
ACL knee surgery, also known as ACL reconstruction, is a procedure to fix a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in your knee. This surgery is often needed for people who have a severe ACL injury, especially if they are active or want to return to sports.
Why Might You Need ACL Surgery?
You might need ACL surgery if:
- Severe Tear: Your ACL is completely torn.
- Active Lifestyle: You want to return to sports or activities that require knee stability.
- Instability: Your knee feels unstable and gives way during everyday activities.
The Surgery Process
Before Surgery
- Medical Evaluation: Your doctor will check your knee and overall health to make sure you are ready for surgery.
- Pre-Surgery Exercises: You may be asked to do exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve knee movement before surgery.
During Surgery
- Anesthesia: You will be given anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain during the surgery.
- Small Incisions: The surgeon will make small cuts around your knee.
- Graft Preparation: The torn ACL is replaced with a graft, which is a piece of tendon taken from another part of your leg or from a donor.
- Placing the Graft: The surgeon will place the graft in your knee and secure it with screws or other devices to hold it in place.
- Closing the Incisions: The incisions are closed with stitches, and a bandage is applied to your knee.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovering from ACL surgery involves several stages:
First Few Weeks
- Rest and Ice: Keep your knee elevated, apply ice to reduce swelling, and rest as much as possible.
- Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications to manage discomfort.
- Begin Gentle Exercises: Start with gentle range-of-motion exercises to help regain movement in your knee.
Next 4-6 Weeks
- Increase Activity: Gradually start putting weight on your knee with the help of crutches.
- Physical Therapy: Work with a physical therapist to begin strengthening exercises for your knee and leg muscles.
3-6 Months
- Advanced Exercises: Engage in more advanced exercises to improve balance, strength, and flexibility.
- Low-Impact Activities: Slowly return to low-impact activities as your knee gets stronger.
6+ Months
- Return to Sports: Gradually get back to sports and high-impact activities, ensuring your knee is strong and stable.
- Ongoing Physical Therapy: Continue physical therapy to maintain strength and prevent re-injury.
Long-Term Outlook
With proper rehabilitation, most people recover well from ACL surgery and can return to their normal activities. It’s important to follow your doctor’s and physical therapist’s instructions to ensure the best outcome.
Find an ACL Reconstruction Surgeon
Find a Location
Mendelson Kornblum Pain Management - Livonia
For appointments contact
Scheduling: 855.750.5757
For billing questions
Billing: 586.439.6242
Fax: 734.542.0220
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Had my right hip replaced by Dr Jeffrey, and couldn't be happier with the job he did and the treatment I received. Been a few years and went in for a yearly checkup and everything is great! Great doctor and office staff!
My two partial knee replacements changed my life. I feel very respected and cared for at this practice. Everyone is very professional and explains things very conscientiously.
He was very nice explained everything and showed pictures of what he wants to do with my right knee felt comfortable with him and he has a great smile.
Dr. Acker is a very good listener and very [accommodating] to my requests. Very understand[ing] and puts my mind at ease for my upcoming knee replacement.
Dr Anna Babushkina is a miracle worker. She repaired nerves, a ligament and tendon in my fingers after a dog bite. She stitched me up so nicely and made my hand look like a hand again.