ACL Reconstruction is recommended for individuals with a completely torn ACL, especially those experiencing instability, recurrent knee giving way, and athletes who want to return to sports.
Graft options include autografts (tissue from the patient's body, such as patellar tendon or hamstring tendon) and allografts (tissue from a donor).
While small incisions are made, ACL Reconstruction is not entirely minimally invasive. It involves arthroscopy for visualization and graft placement, requiring precision and skill.
Recovery varies, but athletes may return to sports after 6-12 months. Physical therapy is crucial for strengthening and regaining knee function.
Risks include infection, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel damage, and graft failure. Adherence to postoperative rehabilitation and precautions minimizes risks.
Some partial ACL tears may heal with conservative measures, but complete tears often require surgical intervention, especially for individuals with an active lifestyle.
In some cases, ACL Reconstruction can be delayed, but this decision is influenced by factors such as the patient's age, activity level, and the extent of associated injuries.
While ACL Reconstruction is generally successful, failure can occur due to factors like reinjury, improper rehabilitation, or graft issues. Revision surgery may be necessary in such cases.