ACL surgery is sometimes recommended to treat severe tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the most high-profile ligament in the knee. When an athlete refers to a “blown out” knee, he or she is likely referring to an ACL injury. While this might sound devastating, it doesn’t have to be. Due to the innovative techniques being practiced by the orthopaedic subspecialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics in the Hampton Roads region, an ACL tear doesn’t necessarily spell the end of a career for athletes throughout the Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg, Virginia areas.
As a consequence of the widespread use of ACL surgery for treating knee injuries, many people who consult with the experts at Tidewater Orthopaedics are surprised to learn that the ACL is not used while walking, or even jogging. However, this important ligament plays a vital role in providing stability to the knee during activities that involve repetitive jumping, turning, and cutting maneuvers, such as those required while playing football, basketball, and soccer. Also, due to a variety of anatomical and biomechanical factors that result in increased stress on the ACL, women are more likely to experience ACL injuries than men.
The good news is that recent medical advances have provided surgeons with the ability to effectively reconstruct a torn knee ligament during ACL surgery. For instance:
Advanced equipment and techniques now allow surgeons to essentially “recreate” the ligament during ACL surgery.
With a surgeon’s highly precise placement of an ACL graft and use of state-of-the-art equipment to securely fix the graft, a patient can begin physical therapy – and thus embark on the road to recovery – much sooner than a similarly-situated patient of 20 years ago.
General awareness and strengthening techniques can go a long way toward helping athletes reduce the likelihood of injury and avoid the need for ACL surgery. For expert guidance and advice, patients in the Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg, Virginia areas can consult with the experienced orthopaedists at Tidewater Orthopaedics, the largest independent orthopaedic practice on the Peninsula.
Call us at (757) 695-5563 to schedule a consultation about ACL surgery and other treatment options today.