The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a key part of your knee. This ligament keeps your knee joints stable and strong. If you hurt your ACL, it can make walking, running, or playing sports hard. Knowing if you need ACL surgery can help you return to doing what you love.
Here are the signs when your doctor might recommend ACL surgery.
What Is the ACL?
The ACL is a band of tissue inside your knee. It connects your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia).
The ACL keeps your knee from moving too much forward and gives it stability.
Here are some signs that you might have hurt your ACL:
- You might hear a pop when the injury happens.
- Your knee may swell up soon after getting hurt.
- You could feel pain right away or later on.
- Your knee might feel like it gives way when you try to stand or walk.
What Is ACL Repair Surgery?
If your doctor recommends ACL repair surgery, it is important to understand what will happen.
ACL repair surgery is a procedure to repair the torn ACL in your knee. The surgeon will replace the torn ligament with a new one.
This new ligament can come from another part of your body or from a donor.
Signs You May Need ACL Repair Surgery
Not everyone with an ACL injury will need surgery. However, some signs suggest that ACL surgery might be your best option.
Here are some important signs to look out for:
1. Knee Keeps Giving Way
If your knee feels like it will give out or collapse even after physical therapy, you might need surgery to address the problem.
2. Severe Tears
A complete tear of the ACL often needs surgery to help your knee work properly again.
3. Active Lifestyle
If you play sports or have a job that requires a lot of knee movement, ACL surgery can help you get back to your activities safely.
4. Other Injuries
Sometimes, an ACL injury comes with other problems, like a torn meniscus or damaged cartilage. ACL surgery can address everything at once.
How to Find the Best Orthopedic Surgeon for ACL Surgery
Picking the right surgeon is very important for a successful ACL surgery. Here are steps to find the best orthopedic surgeon:
Check Their Qualifications
Make sure the surgeon is board-certified. This means they have finished special training and passed important tests.
Look for someone who focuses on knee surgeries or sports medicine.
Experience Counts
Ask how many ACL surgeries the surgeon has done and how successful they were. The more experience, the better.
Read Reviews
Look at online reviews from past patients. See what others say about the surgeon’s skills and how they treat patients.
Get Recommendations
Ask your family doctor, friends, or family members if they know a good surgeon. Personal recommendations can be very helpful.
Meet Several Surgeons
Set up meetings with a few surgeons. Talk to them about your knee problem and see how comfortable you feel with their advice and approach.
Preparing for Surgery
Before the surgery, you might need to do some exercises to strengthen your knee. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to get ready.
You may also have to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the surgery. In addition, you may have to stop taking some medications.
However, wait for your orthopedic surgeon’s instructions regarding these things.
After the Surgery
After the surgery, you will need someone to drive you home. Here is what happens next:
- Recovery Time: You will need time to heal. This usually takes several months.
- Physical Therapy: You will do exercises with a physical therapist to make your knee strong and flexible again.
- Follow-Up Visits: You will have check-ups with your surgeon to make sure your knee is healing well.
Recovery varies from person to person. Still, you can help your body recover safely after the procedure by following your doctor’s orders and observing a healthy lifestyle.
ACL Surgery in Bismarck, ND
The highly qualified and experienced team of orthopedic specialists at The Bone & Joint Center can treat your ACL injury with great expertise. We work with individuals of all activity levels and can ensure you will get a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
To schedule a consultation with one of our top-notch orthopedic surgeons, call us today at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650 or use our appointment request form.
Let us help you get the ACL care you need and deserve. We look forward to serving you!
