5 FAQs About ACL Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the knee’s four main ligaments. The ACL connects the tibia and femur and is one of the most commonly injured ligaments. The risk of this type of injury is higher in athletes who play football, basketball, soccer and those who ski. Around 50% of ACL injuries also include damage to other ligaments, articular cartilage, or the knee bone (meniscus). Here are the top 5 questions asked about ACL reconstruction.
1.Can ACL surgery be avoided?
This type of injury does not heal well without treatment. However, there are some instances in which non-surgical treatment is the best option. Such cases include those in which the patient is elderly, not a very active person or suffers from arthritis. These types of patient sometimes benefit from rehabilitation rather than surgery.
2.Who is the best candidate for ACL reconstruction?
ACL surgery is the best option for patients who are active, such as athletes. The doctor will usually recommend surgery if the patient has undergone a rehabilitation program which has been unsuccessful or if more than one knee ligament has been injured.
3.What types of ACL reconstruction surgery are available?
There are two different types of ACL reconstruction surgery. The surgery involves replacing the damaged ACL with a ligament taken from elsewhere in the knee or from a tissue bank. The orthopedic surgeon will decide which method is best depending on the patient’s individual needs.
4.How long will recovery from ACL reconstruction take?
Recovery times will vary from patient to patient. Typical recovery time is several months to a year. After surgery, patients need to undergo physical therapy to complete recovery.
5.What will rehabilitation entail?
The aim of rehabilitation is to restore full strength and movement to the knee. Rehabilitation usually starts within 2-4 weeks after surgery and will begin with putting gentle weight on the knee. During initial physical therapy sessions, the aim is to achieve full extension of the knee; this is stage I of rehabilitation
During stage II rehabilitation, the patient will be working on achieving full range of motion and improving proprioception and endurance. Stage III involves continued strengthening, gaining confidence in knee movement, and jogging is allowed after three months. The patient will reach stage IV (the final stage of rehab) 4-6 months after surgery. If strength and mobility have returned to normal by this time, and the patient meets the required criteria, normal activities may be resumed.
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“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
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“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
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“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
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“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
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“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
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“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
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