Want your knee to function normally after a sports injury? Opt for ACL surgery

When your ACL is healthy, it serves to hold your knee bones together. It also aids in the stability of your knee. If it is injured, you may have difficulty placing pressure on your knee, walking, or participating in sports. Here's why you should opt for ACL reconstruction

The ACL is one of the most often damaged knee ligaments where the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of tissue located inside your knee and when it expands or ruptures, it suffers harm. ACL injuries are prevalent among athletes because they do motions that put a lot of strain on the knee, such as:

● Changing course rapidly (cutting)

● abrupt halting

● turning and planting your foot

● Landing incorrectly after a jump

When your ACL is healthy, it serves to hold your knee bones together and it also aids in the stability of your knee and if it is injured, you may have difficulty placing pressure on your knee, walking, or participating in sports. If you strain or slightly tear your ACL, it may recover over time with the assistance of your doctor and physical therapy however, if it is entirely ruptured, you may need to have it replaced, especially if you are young and active or an athlete who want to continue participating in sports or if you're older or less active, your doctor may offer non-surgical therapy.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Manu Bora, ACL, Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Nexus Day Surgery Center, explained, “We frequently hear about ACL injuries in professional athletes. Your ACL's duty is to keep your knee stable during sudden changes in direction, which is essential for sports like soccer, basketball, football, and lacrosse. An ACL injury, which can range from a sprain to a full rupture, is not only painful but can also terminate an athletic season prematurely. Rishabh Pant, a Premier India wicketkeeper-batter, escaped a tragic vehicle accident on December 30. He tore three critical ligaments in his knee, two of which were recently replaced, and the third is scheduled for surgery in six weeks.”

He elaborated, "After the ACL ruptures, doctors usually prescribe reconstruction. The surgeon will remove the damaged ligament and replace it with a new one, known as a "transplant," consisting of tissue from the patient's own kneecap tendons or hamstrings—or from a deceased donor." Talking about the advantages of ACL reconstruction that can make your knee resume normal functioning, he highlighted:

● This procedure may enable you to resume your former sport or other physical activities that need a stable knee.

● It can safeguard you from any future harm caused by your existing state.

● ACL repair can assure your long-term knee health.

● You can get rid of persistent knee pain that has been impacting your quality of life for a long time.

Throwing light on why ACL Reconstruction is done, Dr Manu Bora shared, “For those who have a torn or injured anterior cruciate ligament, ACL repair surgery is a possibility (ACL). The ACL is characterised as a robust or well-built band of tissue that connects the shinbone to the thigh bone. It essentially aids in the stability of the knee. ACL injuries are among the most prevalent sports injuries. ACL injuries frequently need surgery to rebuild or repair the knee ligament. ACL repair surgery is a complex technique that involves removing the damaged ACL and replacing it with a graft.”

He added, “A graft (a portion of tissue extracted from another part of your body) or an artificial ligament can be used in the procedure. Anterior cruciate ligament injury or injuries have grown quite prevalent and widespread in recent years. In reality, the number of these types of injuries has recently increased significantly. This is most likely related to increased engagement in sports such as football and soccer. Females are likewise more likely to get ACL injuries. Trauma is usually often the cause of ACL rupture.”

ACL reconstruction is the most common technique however, there are several considerations that will decide whether or not an ACL reconstruction is the best option for you. It is critical that you seek the counsel and assistance of a competent and experienced knee surgeon who can thoroughly evaluate your injuries, level of activity, and knee health before advising you on the best course of action.