Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Surgeon Pottstown, PA
At Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, our anterior cruciate ligament injury surgeon Pottstown, PA patients trust has been providing quality medical services for those in this community for several years. We understand how physical injury can interfere with a person’s ability to go about their everyday life. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in particular can be painful, and require treatment from a reputable medical professional. If you or someone you care about is interested in learning more about what a knee surgeon can do for them, don’t hesitate to call us today.
How ACL Injuries Happen
A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is frequently seen in those who participate in high-impact sports, such as football and soccer. These injuries are often associated with a popping sound or the knee “giving out”, followed by immense swelling. Once diagnostics have been run, your surgeon can suggest whether reconstruction surgery or conservative treatment is most ideal for you. Surgery is frequently the treatment option since the ACL does not heal entirely on its own without surgical intervention.
About Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Surgery for an injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) entails repairing or reconstructing the ACL. The ligament is replaced through the use of a graft. The most common grafts are obtained through the patient’s own material, such as the hamstring tendon or patellar tendon. In some cases, the quadricep tendon located on top of the kneecap is utilized. In other cases, tissue from a donor may be used.
As your knee surgeon Pottstown, PA residents trust may tell you, repair surgery may be used only if there is an avulsion fracture, where the ligament and some bone is separated from the rest of the bone. If this is the situation for you, then we may reconnect the bone fragment back to the bone itself.
The Best Time For Surgery
When it comes to reconstruction of the ACL, the most optimal time to receive surgery depends on the patient’s individual case. Surgery right after the injury may cause increased fibrous tissue, which may lead to loss of motion. Some doctors believe that delaying the surgery until swelling decreases and the patient has regained some of their motion in the knee is the best time for surgery.
It is better if the patient can contract the muscles on the front of the thigh before undergoing the procedure. Post-surgery, gentle stretches and exercises will be provided so the patient can work on regaining their strength and range of motion shortly afterwards.
Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania
Our team is dedicated to patient health, and are ready to answer your questions and reserve a consultation with our surgeon. Call us at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania to hear more about how a Pottstown, PA anterior cruciate ligament injury surgeon can help you.
Common Myths About ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) controls the rotational stability of the knee. If you suffer an ACL injury, you will likely hear a pop and feel a sharp pain in your knee. Here are some common myths about ACL injuries.
- Only athletes get ACL tears. It’s true that athletes tend to be more susceptible to ACL tears. However, anyone can suffer this injury. If you make a sudden wrong movement in the wrong direction when you’re walking, for example, you may get an ACL tear.
- ACL surgery requires a long hospital stay. This is another common myth about ACL injuries. The truth is that you can go home the same day an anterior cruciate ligament injury surgeon in Pottstown, PA performs the procedure. You will likely have to wear a knee brace for several weeks, however.
- Rehabilitation from an ACL injury takes a long time. This isn’t necessarily true. How long you take to recover from an ACL injury will depend on multiple factors, such as the severity of the injury, the experience of the surgeon and how well you take care of yourself during the recovery process. Many patients recover from the injury within several months.
- It’s common to suffer another ACL injury after surgery. Fortunately, ACL surgery has dramatically advanced in recent years. Therefore, the majority of patients can return to their normal activities afterward and have little chance of reinjury.
- Surgery is needed for all ACL tears. Not everyone who suffers an ACL treat will have to get surgery. Different factors may determine if a patient needs the surgery, such as age and activity level. For example, athletes who desire to continue to play sports in the future will likely need the surgery.
- An ACL Injury Means Your Sports Career is Over. Many athletes worry that an ACL tear will end their sports career. However, this isn’t always the case. While some athletes may have to stop playing sports entirely, others may get back on the field after they heal. However, committing to a rehabilitation program and listening to your doctor’s advice increases your chances of a full recovery.
- The knee must be cut open. ACL surgery is less invasive than many people think. Instead of cutting the knee open, a surgeon will perform arthroscopy to reconstruct the knee ligament.