Repairing ACL Injuries at Grand Rapids Orthopedics
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction is a highly successful surgery aimed at repairing or replacing a torn ACL, one of the major ligaments in the knee. This procedure is typically necessary when the ACL is damaged, often due to sports-related injuries that involve sudden stops, pivots, or direct impacts to the knee.
During the surgery, the damaged ACL is removed and replaced with a tendon graft, usually from the patient’s own body (such as from the hamstring or patellar tendon) or from a donor. The new ligament is carefully positioned and secured with screws or other fixation devices to promote healing and restore stability to the knee.
ACL reconstruction allows patients to regain full knee function and return to activities they love, including sports and exercise. Most patients can walk without crutches within a few days and begin physical therapy shortly after surgery to strengthen the knee and improve range of motion.
Full recovery typically takes around 3-6 months, depending on the individual’s commitment to rehabilitation. With modern surgical techniques and therapy, the success rate for ACL reconstruction is high, allowing most individuals to return to their previous activity levels with reduced risk of reinjury.
ACL Surgery & Recovery Times
Many people inquire with Grand Rapids Orthopedics regarding ACL surgery recovery. The good news is, things have changed dramatically to benefit the patient.
In the past, ACL reconstruction surgery was an involved procedure that required a large open incision (or ‘arthrotomy’) requiring spending a day or 2 in the hospital, as it was quite painful.
Grand Rapids Orthopedics has now converted to performing these procedures completely arthroscopically through small limited incisions approximately one centimeter in size. We can also incorporate donor tissue, which allows a much quicker and less painful recovery. The overall procedure is now outpatient, which means that you can go home the very same day.
The actual ACL reconstruction surgery procedure itself generally takes less than an hour. You’re given crutches and usually, at least initially, a brace. The crutches you can discontinue as soon as you’re comfortable, as most people do within a day or two.
At times, depending on the procedure, we may use the brace simply as an insurance policy for 4 to 6 weeks, preventing hyper extension. Bending or flexing is allowed as much as is desired by you and range of motion exercises can be begun immediately (the brace is not required for these). Schedule a meeting with Dr. Vasiu to go over the best option for your situation.
