ACL Knee Surgery
Injuries involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be treated or repaired with ACL reconstructive surgery. The surgery must be performed by a qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon to achieve safe and predictable outcomes.
Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute is a premier practice providing ACL reconstructive surgery and other procedures. Led by board certified surgeons, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler, the practice receives patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities.
Overview
ACL reconstructive surgery is typically performed by using a graft to replace the damaged ligament. Autografts are commonly used from the patient’s own body. If an avulsion fracture has occurred, which means the ligament and a piece of the bone has separated from the rest of the bone, then a repair procedure will be performed. The repair surgery will reattach the bone fragment connected to the ACL to the bone.
ACL reconstructive procedure is generally performed by making tiny incisions in the knee. Arthroscopic surgery is done by inserting surgical instruments through these incisions. In a few cases, an open surgery may be performed, which involves a larger incision in the knee. In either case, the procedure should be performed only by an orthopedic surgeon.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Benefits
Arthroscopic surgery for ACL is preferred because it enables the surgeon to view the knee structure easily, while keeping the incisions smaller than in the case of an open surgery. The procedure can be performed simultaneously with diagnostic arthroscopy.
Risk of complications is lower and recovery is relatively faster as compared to an open surgery. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler provide ACL reconstructive surgery using the arthroscopic technique to suitable candidates in Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas.
Procedure
The arthroscopic ACL reconstructive procedure begins with the surgeon making two or three minor incisions around the knee. An arthroscope with a tiny camera is inserted through one of the incisions, enabling the surgeon to view the inside structure of the knee on a TV monitor.
The surgeon will insert surgical drills through the other incisions. These will be used to create tiny holes in the upper and lower leg bones where these bones join at the knee joint. The graft will be anchored through these holes. The graft will be taken through another incision in the knee, which will be used as replacement tissue.
The surgeon will secure the graft with staples or screws and will close the incisions with skin tape or sutures. The knee will be bandaged, and the patient will be moved to a recovery area where the condition will be monitored for a few hours. The ACL reconstructive surgery may also involve repair of other injured areas of the knee, such as menisci, cartilage, broken bones, and/or other knee ligaments.
Recovery
The patient may feel tiredness and discomfort in the first few days after the surgery. Swelling in the treated area and numbness around the incision may occur. The condition will begin to improve in about a week. It may take about four to six months before the patient may return to vigorous activities or sports.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394