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
What To Do About Hip Pain: Is It Time To See An Orthopedic Surgeon About Labral Repair?
Hip pain should not be overlooked, as the issue could be a labral tear. Symptoms like pain and instability require an orthopedic surgeon’s assessment.
ACL Repair: Will You Have Range Of Motion With Your Knee After Recovery & Physical Therapy?
After an ACL injury, ROM can be negatively affected. ACL repair surgery helps restore function, but physical therapy is essential to ROM.
Arthroscopy: What Are The Benefits Of This Minimally Invasive Outpatient Orthopedic Procedure?
Arthroscopy can help diagnose or treat joint conditions. Benefits of the MIS include faster recovery, less pain, and fewer scars.
Posterior Interbody Lumbar Fusion: What Are The Benefits Of PLIF For People With Back Pain?
People with chronic back pain may benefit from posterior interbody lumbar fusion surgery. PLIF can reduce pain and improve stability.
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“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 ”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“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!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“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.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“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.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“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 ”
“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.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“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 was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“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.”
“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.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
Recent Posts
ACL Repair: Will You Have Range Of Motion With Your Knee After Recovery & Physical Therapy?
After an ACL injury, ROM can be negatively affected. ACL repair surgery helps restore function, but physical therapy is essential to ROM.
Arthroscopy: What Are The Benefits Of This Minimally Invasive Outpatient Orthopedic Procedure?
Arthroscopy can help diagnose or treat joint conditions. Benefits of the MIS include faster recovery, less pain, and fewer scars.
Posterior Interbody Lumbar Fusion: What Are The Benefits Of PLIF For People With Back Pain?
People with chronic back pain may benefit from posterior interbody lumbar fusion surgery. PLIF can reduce pain and improve stability.
Saying Goodbye To Tonsil Troubles: The Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Tonsillectomy
Chronic tonsilitis or other tonsil troubles can impact health and well-being. A minimally invasive tonsillectomy can reduce infections.
