Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery involves repair or reconstruction of the damaged ACL. The procedure is designed to restore stability and normal function in the knee, or limit the loss in the knee. ACL reconstructive surgery will also help to prevent degeneration or injury to other knee structures. In some cases, the surgery may be followed by a rehab program to achieve optimal results.
ACL reconstruction is a complex procedure, and should ideally be performed by a board certified orthopedic surgeon with focused expertise and experience in this area. Leading surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are strongly positioned to perform this intricate procedure for patients in Las Vegas, NV and surrounding communities.
What does ACL Surgery Involve?
ACL reconstructive surgery involves the use of a graft to replace the torn ligament. In many cases, the surgeon will use an auto-graft from a healthy part of the patient’s own body. This could be the tendon of the kneecap or one of the hamstring tendons. If auto-graft is not possible, the surgeon may choose allograft tissue, which is taken from a deceased donor.
ACL repair procedure is mostly recommended only in the event of an avulsion fracture, in which the ligament and a piece bone have been separated from the rest of the bone. The procedure will be used to reattach the bone fragment connected to the ACL to the bone. The procedure typically involves small incisions in the knee for arthroscopic surgery, but in some cases an open surgery with a larger incision may be necessary.
Who should receive it?
The following individuals may be suitable candidates for ACL reconstruction:
The ACL is fully or partially torn and the knee has become unstable.
Knee instability persists even after a rehab program.
Knee stability is very essential due to the nature of job or sports activity.
The patient has chronic ACL deficiency.
Other parts of the knee are injured, such as the meniscus, cartilage, or other knee ligaments and tendons.
Board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler perform ACL reconstructive surgery for patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby locations.
Arthroscopic Surgery for ACL Injury
Arthroscopic surgery offers several advantages over open surgery in case of certain ACL injuries. Some of the key benefits are listed as below:
o The surgeon can view the knee structures more clearly and work more precisely.
o Smaller incisions are involved as compared to open surgery.
o Diagnostic arthroscopy and surgery can be performed at the same time.
o Risk of complications is reduced.
o Regional anesthesia, such as spinal, may be used instead of general anesthesia.
o Arthroscopic surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
Recovery
Swelling and numbness in the incision areas will remain for a few days after ACL surgery. Incision area should be kept clean to prevent infection. Physical rehab following ACL surgery can take several months to a year. The patients should follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure complete healing in a smooth and painless manner.
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