What is ACL Tear and ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) that connects thigh bone to the shin bone prevents the forward movement and controls the rotational movement of the knee and send feedback to the brain regarding the joint position and balance.

Therefore, Acl injury happens when the knee is bent backward, side to side or twisted. This type of injury is common in sports events.

What happens if the ACL is torn?

A tearing or popping sensation followed by an immediate swelling is found at the time of ACL tear. As the information regarding joint position and balance is not transferred, the knee is felt unstable and walking becomes difficult.

What is the treatment for ACL tear?

The ACL will not heal itself, an alternative tissue (graft) is used to replace it.

Types of grafts:

1. Autograft - Using the patient's own tissues. Hamstring tendon graft is the commonly used autograft tissue. 

2. Allograft - Using another person's tissue

Allograft is considered when there is an injury to more than one ligament, or during repeated surgeries.

3. Artificial material such as LARS

The ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) ligament is an artificial polyester ligament made from polyethylene terephthalate.

How is the torn ACL reconstructed?

After Diagnosing the knee structure of the ACL through MRI Scan. The keyhole surgery is usually performed. Once the ACL tear is confirmed, the graft will be prepared.

For the procedure, tunnels have to be made in thigh and shin bone. Later, the prepared graft will be inserted in these tunnels with help of special devices.

What are the benefits of Key Hole surgery?

The key-hole technique has the following advantages compared to open technique.

a. Less pain after the surgery

b. Shorter hospital stay & quicker recovery

c. Tissue cut is very minimal & the blood loss is negligible

a. Leaves tiny invisible scars after surgery

b. Lower risk of complications such as infection or wound healing problems

Dr. Kanna’s Knee & Ortho Clinic is headed by Dr. Raj Kanna who is the best known orthopedic and knee surgeon in Chennai. At his clinics, the treatments are performed with the most modern and advanced technology. He is one among the very few eminent surgeons in Asia, who performs knee replacement surgery using computer navigation technology.

For more details

Visit us: kneecareindia.in

Mail us :kneeandorthoclinic@gmail.com