The Rise Of ACL Surgery
One of the scariest knee injuries active people face is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. A collision on the field or an awkward landing can cause the ligament to tear or even detach completely. Over 250,000 ACL reconstruction surgeries are performed yearly. The figure continues to increase, as patients turn to the procedure to get back in action. But what happens under the knife? And how long does ACL reconstruction last?
Understanding ACL reconstruction
The ACL is one of five main ligaments supporting the knee. The ligament connects the thigh and shin bones, giving the ability to twist and flex. When the ACL tears, the knee gives way, making simple movements painful and difficult. ACL reconstruction is a minimally invasive procedure, where surgeons replace the damaged tendon with a graft or donor’s tendon. The surgeon removes the damaged ligament. Then a new tendon is attached through anchors on surrounding bones. With physical therapy, the knee returns to regular function in as little as 6-9 months.
Rebuilt to last
In the last several decades, ACL reconstruction has improved in effectiveness. Studies show patients resuming high-contact activities quickly post-surgery. Not only is the procedure effective, but repaired tendons perform like new. Reconstruction patients even 20 years later revealed excellent performance, with over 85% still active. However, over 40% revealed some degree of osteoarthritis. Another key question comes up. How much are age and activity involved?
The teenage risk
As the intensity and demand of high school and college sports increases, so does the risk of injury. A study of over 300 high schoolers with ACL reconstruction shows great promise. The teens resumed activity and had only a 6% rate of revision surgery. However, teenagers between the ages of 14-16 have a higher risk of needing additional surgery. Patients in the age range also found difficulty returning to sports. The reason, scientists concluded, could be the expected bone growth around this age.
60 and over
Should the young at heart go under the knife? Older persons are often discouraged from ACL surgery. With age comes longer healing and recovery times. Avoiding the knife may be wise for elderly persons who are generally inactive. But for active persons 60 and over, reconstruction can be the difference in resuming an active lifestyle. A study on patients 60 and over undergoing ACL reconstruction showed no signs of slowing down 10 years later. All the patients went back to sports with little to no pain.
Reconstruction is here to stay
The fact remains, young and older persons benefit from surgical intervention. Despite a small possibility of redamaging the tendon and osteoarthritis, the success rate cannot be understated. The surgical procedure is not a band-aid. Expect the new tendon to hold up for decades. To be safe, surgeons will inform patients of any complications to expect, regardless of age and activity. For more information regarding ACL reconstruction options and surgical treatment, speak with a healthcare provider.
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.
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“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 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.”
“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!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“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!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“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 nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“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.”
“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 from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“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.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“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 very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“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 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!”
“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 was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“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!”
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.
