ACL Reconstruction Complications

ACL reconstruction is a surgical method that replaces the anterior cruciate ligament at the center of the knee. The ACL keeps the shin bone in place, but if damaged, a tear of the ligaments in the knee can cause it to give out during physical activity. ACL reconstruction complications may occur in some patients, especially if the patient has underlying medical conditions that may complicate the recovery process.

Fractures

• Fractures of the kneecap and thighbone may occur, especially if there is a trauma following the surgery, such as falling or an accident. ACL reconstruction requires a graft, which may be taken from another part in your body or you may receive one from a donor. If you have a graft taken from the front of your knee, it may be possible to have a kneecap fracture because part of the bone is removed. If patients have a graft from their own hamstring, a thighbone fracture may occur if the area does not heal.

Nerve Injury

• The nerves in the knee may be cut or stretched during ACL reconstruction. Although pain generally improves with time, it may not return to normal function. If part of a nerve was cut, it can cause severe pain and may require surgery to remove the damaged nerves. Injuries to the nerve may occur after ACL surgery, which may involve permanent damage, including numbness or loss of strength in the knee, foot, and ankle.

Clots

• A blood clot in the knee, leg, pelvis or lungs may occur after surgery. This is more common in those who have existing blockages as a result of fatty buildup in their arteries. A blood clot blocks the flow of blood, causing the leg tissue or other area to have less oxygen and may cause tissue death. If left untreated, the leg may need to be amputated. Another type of blood clot that may occur after surgery is deep vein thombrosis, where the clot travels to the lung from the leg, causing shortness of breath. If caught early on, it can be treated through blood thinning medication.

Infection

• Some of the risks for ACL reconstruction include infection as with many other types of surgery. To reduce the risk of infection, a surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to be taken orally in addition to the ones provided by i.v. during the surgery.

Range of Motion

• Patients will likely have stiffness in the knee or a change in the range of motion after ACL reconstruction. Changes in the range of motion or ability to move the leg or knee may occur due to fibrous tissue building up and changes in swelling after the surgery. Range of motion exercises as prescribed by a surgeon and physical therapist may decrease swelling and help the muscles regain their strength. Unfortunately, some patients suffer from a long-term change in their range of motion.