Football, ACL Injuries, and the Recovery Process
Football is an immensely popular high contact sport. Following on the heels of concussions and torn hamstrings, ACL injuries are next on the list. Recovery involves a quick outpatient reconstruction surgery followed by several months of physical therapy.
Why is the ACL useful?
Part of a duo connecting the tibia to the femur, the ACL (known as the anterior cruciate ligament) helps to stabilize the knee joint. The ACL is essential for normal dynamic knee movement and prevents excessive sideways bending or hyperextension.
How does the ACL differ from the PCL?
There are no major differences, and both perform essentially the same task of knee stabilization. The only major difference is that the ACL is often injured by sudden changes in direction or being hit from the side, while the PCL is often injured by a direct hit right below the knee cap or falling onto a bent knee. PCL injuries occur at a far lower rate than ACL injuries
ACL reconstruction
Not all ACL injuries require surgery as physical therapy can be very effective. Surgery is recommended in situations when the patient is young, an athlete who wants to continue the sport, the knee can no longer continually bear weight or the ligament/cartilage is too severely damaged.
Before surgery
Before ACL Reconstruction, the patient will generally undergo weeks of physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and reduce swelling. The goal is to regain as much movement in the knee as possible prior to surgery.
During surgery
During ACL reconstruction, the patient is put under general anesthesia. Small incisions are made on/around the knee and the surgeon will use a small surgical video camera and medical tools to perform the operation. The damaged ligament is removed and replaced with a portion of the tendon (also known as a graft). The graft is accurately placed between the femur and tibia, then attached with screws. The new ligament will grow on the graft.
After surgery
After ACL Reconstruction, the patient is given a knee brace, taught how to walk on crutches, and instructions on how to shower as well as care for the wound. The general rule of thumb for post-surgery care is the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Rigorous physical therapy is also recommended to regain as must strength and range of motion to the injured knee.
Typically caused by a sudden direction change or jarring motion, as is often found in football, ACL tears are painful and many require outpatient surgery. The incisions are small and patients are provided with a brace, crutches, and instructions for post-surgery care. Most athletes who adhere to the recovery plan set by their doctors can return to sports within the year.
Recent Posts
Can Torn Ligaments In Your Foot Heal? When To See A Podiatrist
A torn ligament in the foot is uncomfortable and limits mobility, especially in athletes. In some cases, ligament repair is necessary.
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“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 STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“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 ”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“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.”
“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.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“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.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“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 ”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
Recent Posts
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
Meniscal Repair: Can This Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is common for pain and stiffness. However, some patients can avoid replacement with meniscal repair.
