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An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury is a common sports-related injury to the knee. The ACL is a ligament that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It provides stability and helps with pivoting and turning motions. ACL injuries occur when the ligament is either completely torn or partially torn. ACL injuries can be caused by a sudden movement or twist of the knee, a direct blow to the knee or an over-extension of the knee. Common symptoms of an ACL injury include a popping sound at the time of the injury, pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Diagnosis of an ACL injury is typically done through physical examination and imaging tests such as an MRI. Treatment of an ACL injury depends on the severity of the injury and may include rest, physical therapy, medications, and surgery.
Pre-procedure
A pre-procedure for ACL injury typically begins with a physical exam by a doctor or orthopaedic specialist. The doctor will assess the patient’s range of motion, strength, and knee joint stability, and X-rays and MRI scans may be taken to evaluate the extent of the injury.
The pre-procedure also includes a discussion between the doctor and patient regarding the risks and benefits of the procedure. The doctor will explain the procedure and the expected recovery time. The patient will also be asked to sign a consent form to ensure they are aware of the risks.
The patient may also need to prepare for the procedure by arranging a ride home after the surgery and stocking up on ice packs, pain medication, and other supplies. The doctor at orthopaedics hospital in Mysore may also prescribe physical therapy exercises to help the patient prepare for the surgery.
If the patient needs braces or crutches, these should be acquired before the procedure. The patient should also avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, before the procedure, as these can increase bleeding.
Finally, the patient may be asked to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure, and this is done to minimise the risk of nausea and vomiting during the process. Following these pre-procedure steps will help ensure that the patient is in the best possible condition for the procedure.
Procedure
The surgeon will first make an incision in the knee to repair the ACL to reach the torn ligament. Then, the surgeon will remove any loose fragments of the torn ACL and prepare for the grafting procedure. The graft is typically a tendon taken from another part of the body, such as the hamstring or patellar tendon, and it’s used to replace the torn ACL. The graft is then secured to the bone with screws or a special device, such as a bioabsorbable screw.
Once the graft is in place, the surgeon will close the incision and apply a bandage or dressing. You’ll be instructed to keep the area dry and clean, and you may need to wear a brace to protect the knee joint while it heals. The ACL repair surgery typically takes one to two hours, and you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
Post-procedure
After the surgery, the rehabilitation process begins. You’ll need to work closely with a physical therapist to help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee joint. You’ll also need to follow a regular program of exercises to help restore strength in the muscles surrounding the knee. With proper rehabilitation, you can expect to return to your normal activities within a few months.
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