Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction is a common orthopedic procedure used to repair a torn or damaged ACL in the knee. The ACL is a vital ligament that helps stabilize the knee joint and is often injured during sports or other physical activities. This minimally invasive surgical technique used for performing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai offers patients a chance to regain stability, reduce pain, and return to an active lifestyle.
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai is typically performed under general anesthesia, and it involves the use of a small arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera, and specialized instruments. Instead of making a large incision, surgeons make several small incisions around the knee joint. This minimizes tissue damage, reduces scarring, and speeds up recovery.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged ACL and replaces it with a graft. The graft can come from various sources, including the patient’s own patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or cadaveric tissue (allograft). The choice of graft depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, activity level, and the surgeon’s preference.
Consultation and Evaluation: Patients typically undergo a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon, including a physical examination, imaging (MRI), and discussion of their symptoms and medical history.
Informed Consent: Patients are informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai, and they provide informed consent.
Medical Clearance: Patients with underlying medical conditions may need to be evaluated and cleared by their primary care physician or specialist to ensure they are fit for surgery.
Pre-operative Education: Patients receive detailed instructions on pre-operative preparations, including fasting before surgery, medication adjustments, and hygiene protocols.
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general or regional anesthesia. The surgeon uses a minimally invasive arthroscope and small incisions to access and repair the ACL.
Preparation: The patient is positioned on the operating table, and the knee area is cleaned and sterilized.
Arthroscopic Examination: The surgeon inserts the arthroscope through a small incision to assess the extent of damage to the ACL and other knee structures.
ACL Graft Harvesting: A graft is often taken from the patient’s own hamstring tendon, patellar tendon, or a donor (allograft). The graft is prepared and sized accordingly.
Graft Insertion: The surgeon drills tunnels in the tibia and femur to place the graft in the same position as the original ACL. The graft is secured using screws or other fixation devices.
Closure: The incisions are closed, and sterile dressings are applied after the arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai.
After arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai, a specific post-operative care plan is essential for optimal recovery:
Immediate Post-op: Patients are monitored in the recovery area and may be given pain medication. Ice and elevation help reduce swelling.
Early Mobility: Physical therapy often begins within the first few days to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
Weight-Bearing: The surgeon determines the weight-bearing status and provides guidelines for using crutches or a brace.
Rehabilitation: A comprehensive rehabilitation program is initiated after the arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai. This mainly focusses on strengthening, flexibility, and proprioception. It progresses from passive to active exercises.
Return to Activity: The timing of returning to sports or strenuous activities varies but is typically several months post-surgery. The surgeon and physical therapist will guide this process.
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in successful arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai:
Early Stage (Weeks 0-6): Focus on reducing pain and swelling, restoring range of motion, and beginning gentle strength exercises.
Intermediate Stage (Weeks 6-12): Progress to more strenuous strengthening exercises and functional activities. Balance and agility training are crucial.
Late Stage (Months 3-6+): Continue strength and agility training, emphasizing sports-specific movements. Gradually return to sports under the guidance of a sports medicine professional.
Recovery timelines can vary, but most individuals can expect to return to low-impact activities within 6-9 months post-surgery. However, returning to high-impact sports like soccer or basketball may take closer to 9-12 months. The exact timeline for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai depends on factors like individual healing, rehabilitation adherence, and the specific sport or activity.
An autograft involves using the patient’s own tissue, often from the hamstring or patellar tendon, for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai. An allograft, on the other hand, uses tissue from a donor. The choice depends on factors like patient age, activity level, and surgeon preference. Autografts tend to offer better graft integration, but allografts may be preferred for certain patients due to less donor site morbidity.
While arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in Chennai is a common and effective treatment, it’s not the only option. Some individuals with partial ACL tears or less active lifestyles may benefit from non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and bracing. However, for those who want to return to demanding physical activities or have complete ACL tears, surgery is often recommended to restore knee stability.
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