Arthroscopic Anatomical ACL Reconstruction
During the past decade, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has become a familiar term. The ACL is the main stabilizer of the knee joint during abrupt change in direction. With the increase in sports participation, injury to the ACL has become one of the most common sports injuries.
The operative treatment has evolved from open procedures to arthroscopically performed outpatient procedures with early weight bearing.
What happens if the ACL is torn?
The knee becomes unstable while abruptly changing direction. Many authors have stated that the ACL injury is career ending for the athletes. Ireland calls this a "heart attack of the knee.
Why does the ACL fail to heal?
Unlike other ligaments about the joint, the ACL passes through the joint and is surrounded by joint fluid. Other ligaments heal by scar formation This fluid is designed to dissolve and prevent blood clotting within the joint
Without blood clot, scar tissue does not form. The result is that the ACL rarely heals in continuity.
Is there any long term effect on the joint because of the torn ACL?
There is an increased risk of meniscal and cartilage injury after ACL injury. With time the knee with torn ACL will embark on a course of progressive degeneration leading to early arthritis.
Hence, until surgery it is advisable to wear some sort of knee brace to protect and stabilize the knee joint.
For more details visit: http://kneeworld.in/acl-reconstruction-surgery
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