Why would I need ACL surgery?
Your ACL is the band of connective tissue that holds your femur and tibia together. It also provides stability and prevents your tibia from sliding in front of your femur.
Your ACL extends diagonally across your knee from the upper outside to the lower inside of the joint. The ACL and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) form an X as they crisscross in the middle of your knee.
While the ACL is strong, it’s also vulnerable to injury, especially if you play a sport that requires you to run and change directions rapidly. Contact sports like football and soccer also increase your risk of ACL tears.
ACL injuries range in severity; minor strains or tears might heal on their own with rest and physical therapy. However, more serious injuries require surgical repair. For example, if your knee pain is so severe that you can’t walk or fully bend or extend your knee, you might need ACL surgery.
You might also need ACL revision surgery to correct a prior surgery that didn’t heal as expected, or surgery to deal with a new injury.
What happens during ACL surgery?
At Orthopedic Center of Arlington, Dr. Prager uses arthroscopic procedures whenever possible.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive orthopedic surgery technique. Dr. Prager uses a thin, pencil-shaped device to transmit video from inside a joint to a monitor in the treatment room, allowing him to see the inside of your knee without making a large incision.
While you’re sedated, Dr. Prager thoroughly numbs your knee and makes a small incision. He inserts the arthroscope to examine your ACL and other parts of your knee in detail and confirm that surgical reconstruction is necessary.
Then, he makes a couple more small incisions in your knee and inserts specially designed surgical instruments into your joint. He repairs your ACL and completes any other needed restorations.
Finally, he removes the instruments, closes the incisions with sutures, and bandages your knee. In many cases, you can go home after your anesthesia wears off.
What should I expect after ACL surgery?
You might need several months to recover from your ACL surgery fully. However, you should be able to get up and move around with crutches immediately.
Dr. Prager might prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter painkillers and ice to ease any post-surgical discomfort. He also recommends physical therapy to maintain and then rebuild strength and flexibility in your knee.
You have follow-up appointments with Dr. Prager to monitor your recovery. You can return to your regular activities when he says it’s safe.
If you need ACL surgery, you can count on Dr. Prager. He is an experienced surgeon and has performed hundreds of ACL restorations. Call Orthopedic Center of Arlington or make an appointment online today.
