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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a surgical procedure that replaces a torn ACL in the knee with a graft, typically sourced from the patient's own hamstring or patellar tendon, to restore stability and function.
Preparation: Prior to surgery, it's essential to reduce knee swelling, restore full range of motion, and strengthen the surrounding muscles through physiotherapy. Achieving these goals can enhance surgical outcomes and facilitate a smoother recovery process.
Procedure: Performed under general or spinal anaesthesia, the surgeon removes the damaged ACL and replaces it with a graft, positioning it in the original ACL location and securing it with screws or staples. The operation typically lasts between one to one and a half hours.
Recovery: Post-surgery, patients may experience swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief and ice application. A structured rehabilitation programme, guided by a physiotherapist, is crucial to restore knee function, with full recovery potentially taking up to a year.
