When An ACL Injury Requires Surgery
One of the most common ligament injuries is an ACL tear. Known as the anterior cruciate ligament, the ACL provides not just stability in the knee but also controls the joint’s movements. The two bands of tissue cross inside the knee and are located in the front of the leg. Damage to the tissue may be rated as either partial or complete. The ACL is most likely to be injured during intense athletic activities, such as when an individual pivots sharply or makes a quick stop. For many people, a minor torn ACL can heal independently and may not need invasive measures. However, for more severe damage, surgery may be the best option to restore function fully.
Identifying the injury’s severity
One of the most significant ways to determine whether surgery is required for full recovery depends on whether an ACL tear is classified as either partial or complete. With partial injuries, the ligament is still somewhat intact, but a complete tear means the tissue has been completely severed. Damage severity alone will not be the sole reason to recommend surgery. A person’s activity level, medical history, and even the presence of other underlying knee injuries will influence whether reconstruction surgery is required. Likewise, people with a history of knee instability may be more likely to need surgery.
Modern approaches to ACL repairs
Historically, an ACL repair often centers on repairing the damaged ligament. However, few orthopedic surgeons recommend doing so because of the higher rate of inconsistent results. More importantly, repeated ACL tears could occur, leading to more surgery and longer recovery timelines. These days, reconstructive surgery prioritizes replacing a torn ligament by inserting a graft, using tissue harvested from a donor or another area of the patient’s body. Of all the tissue options, tendons are usually the most popular.
Minimally invasive arthroscopy
Previously, a knee repair surgery for an ACL tear required fully opening the knee to correct any damage that was present. While effective, such operations required longer recovery windows and often took longer for people to get back to even moderate activity levels. Alternatively, many surgeons now recommend minimally invasive arthroscopies, which reduce incision sites and yield faster recovery times.
Get back to normal faster
While the type of surgery a person has will influence recovery timelines, people can also help the healing process by following a surgeon’s directives. Similarly, engaging in regular physical therapy once given the approval to do so can not only strengthen the injured knee but teach individuals how to better use the joint to prevent future injuries. For a full understanding of ACL tears and to determine the severity of damage, consider speaking with a physician or healthcare professional.
