If you’re scheduled for ACL surgery, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. Here’s a general overview of the preparation and procedure for ACL surgery:
Preparation for ACL Surgery
Preoperative Evaluation: Before surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, review of medical history, and possibly additional imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRI scans) to assess the extent of the ACL injury.
Preoperative Instructions: Your surgeon and medical team will provide you with specific instructions to prepare for the surgery. This may include fasting for a certain period before the procedure, temporarily stopping certain medications (if advised by your doctor), and arranging for transportation to and from the hospital or surgical centre.
Anaesthesia: ACL surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be unconscious during the procedure. Your anesthesiologist will explain the anaesthesia process and discuss any potential risks or complications.
The ACL Surgery Procedure
Incision and Arthroscopy: ACL surgery is commonly performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and a tiny camera called an arthroscope. This minimally invasive approach allows the surgeon to visualise the inside of the knee joint.
Graft Harvesting: The surgeon will select a graft to replace the torn ACL. Common graft options include autografts (taken from your own body, such as the hamstring tendon or patellar tendon) or allografts (grafts from a donor). The choice of graft depends on several factors, including your surgeon’s preference and your individual situation.
Graft Placement: The surgeon will remove the damaged ACL and prepare the bone tunnels for graft insertion. The graft is then secured to the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) using screws, sutures, or other fixation devices. This recreates the stability of the knee joint.
Additional Procedures: In some cases, additional procedures may be performed during ACL surgery, depending on the specific needs of the patient. These may include meniscus repair or trimming, cartilage repair, or other ligament reconstructions.
Closure and Dressing: After the graft is securely placed, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures or staples and apply a sterile dressing. In some cases, small drainage tubes may be inserted to remove excess fluid or blood from the joint.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
Hospital Stay: ACL surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. However, in most cases, an overnight hospital stay may be required for monitoring and pain management.
Pain Management: Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain medications to manage postoperative pain. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions for pain relief.
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation and physical therapy play a crucial role in ACL surgery recovery. You will likely start physical therapy soon after surgery to regain strength, restore range of motion, and improve knee stability. Your physical therapist will design a personalised program based on your specific needs and progress.
Use of Assistive Devices: You may need to use crutches or a knee brace for a period after surgery to protect the knee and assist with mobility. Your surgeon will provide guidance on when and how to use these devices.
Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with your orthopaedic surgeon will be scheduled to monitor your progress, assess healing, and make any necessary adjustments to your rehabilitation program.
It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions and guidance tailored to your condition. Following their recommendations and actively participating in your recovery process will contribute to a successful outcome.
