ACL injuries affect both athletes as well as non-athletes in United States. The ACL is located in the knee, provides stability to the joint and helps in movements like pivoting, jumping, and other changing direction. ACL reconstruction and surgery is often required in order to restore knee function after an injury due to its poor ability to heal.
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If you’ve been diagnosed with an ACL injury, knowing the procedure of ACL reconstruction as well as the role played by an expert ACL surgeon, as well as the latest developments in surgical techniques will help you make informed choices about your treatment.
The ACL: Its role and the reason why it is required
The ACL connects the femur (thighbone) and the tibia (shinbone). It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the joint of the knee when it moves. The knee’s stability is seriously impaired when the ACL is injured, whether from a sudden turn making a landing that is awkward or high-impact sports. ACL tears can lead to swelling and pain. They can also make you feel like your knee “gives out” while you’re in a high-intensity.
ACL injuries are not self-healing however, they do heal with rest or rehabilitation in some cases surgical intervention is typically the best option. ACL Surgery typically involves either repairing the ligament in rare cases or reconstructing it using a tendon graft.
What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction involves the repair of a tear in an ACL ligament by a new graft. The graft can be from the body of the patient or another donor. The quadriceps tendon and the patellar (BTB) are two of the most commonly utilized grafts. Each of these grafts provides unique advantages.
Quadriceps tendon: Because of its high strength and a lack of complications at the site of donor The graft is steady stability, especially when athletes return to a high-intensity sport.
Patellar Tendon (BTB): Often referred to as the “gold standard” in ACL reconstruction This graft is perfect for people who need the most stability.
Dr. Burnham has extensive experience as a fellowship-trained ACL surgeon. He has conducted thorough research to determine the most effective graft choice to ensure knee stability and longevity. There are also no adverse effects that can last for a long time.
Advancements in ACL Reconstruction Techniques
ACL reconstructions have traditionally placed the ACL graft in an not-anatomic area, which means that it was not aligned with the original ACL’s natural position. This could lead to poor results, such as lower stability and increased risk of re-injury. But, advances in imaging technology and surgical research have revolutionized the way ACL reconstruction is performed.
ACL surgeons, such as Dr. Burnham today, use advanced methods to place the new ACL in exactly the same location where the original ACL was previously. This placement is anatomically correct and is aligned with the knee’s natural mechanics. It enhances function and stability. Benefits of precision include:
Reduced risk of injury re-injury
Better long-term knee health
Lower risk of developing arthritis
The focus is on precision. The importance of the sizing of grafts
A successful ACL reconstruction is contingent on the proper size of the graft to the patient. With MRI imaging, in conjunction with direct surgical observation, the surgeon is able tailor the graft for each person. A graft that’s too small might not offer adequate stability, and an oversized graft can lead to complications. ACL surgeons design the procedure for every patient in order to maximize healing and function.
Why Choose an ACL Surgeon who has been trained by a fellowship?
The surgeon’s experience is vital for the success of ACL surgery. The fellowship-trained ACL surgeons, like Dr. Burnham, have specialized training and extensive experience in treating knee injuries with a high degree of complexity. The advanced surgical techniques they employ assure that every patient receives individual treatment that leads to greater results.
Long-term and Recovering benefits
The majority of patients will slowly return to their previous levels of activity after ACL reconstruction, with proper rehabilitation. Physical therapy is an important component of rehabilitation. It can help build up the muscles around them, and help to restore range-of-motion.
ACL surgery is improving the long-term outcomes for patients who undergo the procedure, resulting in lower rates of re-injury as well as improved knee stability. Modern ACL techniques are a fantastic option for those who want to return to playing field, or resume the active lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
ACL reconstruction is advancing thanks to advances in technology and research as well as the experience of fellowship-trained ACL surgeons such as Dr. Burnham. Today’s techniques are based on precision, personalized care and advanced imaging. This offers patients the greatest chance of long-term recovery and knee health.
ACL injuries are a bit complicated, but an ACL specialist can help you identify your options and locate the best solution for your needs.
