If you or someone you know is preparing for ACL repair surgery, it’s understandable to feel a mix of emotions—from nervousness to just wanting to get back on your feet and return to your daily activities or sports.
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are common among athletes but can happen to anyone. The road to recovery starts well before you enter the operating room and continues long after.
Let’s discuss what to expect before, during, and after ACL repair surgery to help you feel more confident and informed.
Understanding ACL Repair Surgery
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize your knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), preventing the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone.
The ACL is crucial for athletes and anyone engaging in activities that involve sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction. Despite its strength, the ACL is prone to injuries, especially among individuals participating in sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing.
An ACL injury can range from a mild strain to a complete tear, with the latter often requiring surgical intervention for individuals looking to return to high levels of physical activity.
ACL repair surgery, more commonly referred to as ACL reconstruction surgery, is a procedure designed to replace the damaged ligament with a graft. This graft can be harvested from another part of your body, such as the hamstring or patellar tendon, or it can come from a donor.
The goal of ACL replacement surgery is to restore knee stability and function, allowing individuals to return to their pre-injury levels of activity.
Before the Procedure
Here is what you can expect before an ACL replacement surgery.
Pre-Surgical Consultation
Your journey begins with a consultation with your orthopedic surgeon. They’ll confirm the ACL injury through physical exams and imaging tests like MRI. This is also the time to discuss any concerns or questions you might have about the surgery.
Physical Preparation
You might be advised to undergo pre-surgery physiotherapy to strengthen your knee. Strengthening the muscles around your knee can lead to better outcomes post-surgery.
Practical Arrangements
Since you’ll be less mobile initially after the surgery, it’s wise to arrange for help at home for tasks like cooking and cleaning. Also, set up a comfortable ‘recovery station’ at home with essentials within easy reach.
The Night Before
Food and Drink: Typically, you’ll need to stop eating and drinking at midnight before your ACL repair surgery to prepare for anesthesia.
What to Pack: Pack comfortable clothes that will fit easily over a knee brace or bandages post-surgery and personal items to make your stay more comfortable.
During the Procedure
Here is what you can expect from an ACL replacement surgery procedure:
Anesthesia
On the day of the ACL repair surgery, you’ll be given anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the operation. The type of anesthesia will depend on various factors, including your health status and the surgeon’s approach.
The Surgery
ACL repair usually involves arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique. Small incisions are made around your knee, and a camera and surgical tools are inserted to repair the ligament.
During the actual procedure, a graft from another tendon in your body or a donor is used to replace the damaged ACL.
Duration
The surgery itself typically takes 1 to 2 hours, but you might stay in the hospital for a few hours post-surgery for monitoring.
After the Procedure
Initial Recovery
You’ll likely experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the days following the ACL replacement surgery. Pain management will be a priority, and you’ll be prescribed medications to help with this. Using crutches or a knee brace might be necessary to support your knee as it heals.
Rehabilitation
Rehab is crucial for a successful recovery from ACL repair surgery. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to restore strength and mobility to your knee. This phase can last anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the individual’s progress.
Returning to Normal Activities
Gradually, you’ll be able to return to your daily activities. However, returning to sports or physically demanding activities will take anywhere between 9 to 12 months. Your orthopedic doctor and physical therapist will advise you on the right timing and precautions to avoid re-injury.
Follow-up Visits
Regular visits to your surgeon and physical therapist will be necessary to monitor your recovery and adjust your rehabilitation plan as needed.
ACL Repair Surgery in North Dakota
If you’re dealing with an ACL injury that’s affecting your mobility and quality of life, don’t settle for anything less than the best orthopedic care available.
At The Bone & Joint Center, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons possess the expertise necessary to accurately diagnose and effectively manage even the most complex ACL injuries.
With a wide range of services, including physical therapy and occupational therapy, alongside advanced surgical techniques, we’re dedicated to helping you return to your active lifestyle as safely and quickly as possible.
Call our office today at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650 or use our convenient appointment request form to see one of our knee joint replacement surgeons. We look forward to serving you!
