What is acl surgery?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is a surgical procedure to reconstruct the ACL, a ligament that connects the shin bone (tibia) to the thigh bone (femur). The ACL is one of the four main ligaments of the knee. It is located in the center of the knee and helps to stabilize the knee joint and prevent it from buckling.

ACL surgery is typically performed arthroscopically, a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to view and repair the ACL. During arthroscopic ACL surgery, the surgeon will make a few small incisions in the knee and insert the camera and instruments. The surgeon will then remove the damaged ACL and replace it with a graft, which is a piece of tissue that is taken from another part of the body, such as the patellar tendon or hamstring tendon. The graft is then secured in place with screws or sutures.

ACL surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, which means that patients can go home the same day. However, some patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Recovery from ACL surgery typically takes several months, and patients may need to wear a brace and use crutches or a walker for a period of time. Physical therapy is also an important part of recovery to help strengthen the knee and restore range of motion.

ACL surgery is a successful procedure for repairing a torn ACL and restoring knee stability. However, it is important to remember that ACL surgery is a major surgery and that there are risks involved, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.