Who are ACL Reconstruction Surgeons?

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgeons are healthcare professionals with expertise in the field of orthopaedics. Orthopaedics is a branch of medicine that deals with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, and an ACL reconstruction surgeon is a super-specialised orthopaedic doctor with a specific focus on one area – the ACL.

These surgeons provide critical care and treatment for injuries to the ACL – a ligament in the knee that crosses from the underside of the femur (the thigh bone) to the top of the tibia (the shinbone). ACL injuries are particularly common in individuals who play high-impact sports, such as football or basketball. The role of an ACL reconstruction surgeon in India extends from assessing and diagnosing these injuries to performing surgical procedures to restore normal functions of the knee. An integral part of their job is to perform an operation known as ‘ACL Reconstruction’, which involves replacing the damaged ACL with a new one, usually created from a graft of tissue.

What Medical Conditions Do ACL Reconstruction Surgeons Treat?

ACL reconstruction surgeons are adept at handling a variety of medical conditions related to the ACL. These include:

• ACL Tears: A tear or rupture in the ACL typically occurs when there’s sudden stress on the knee. Activities like quick changes in direction or improper landings after a jump can lead to an ACL tear.
• Partial ACL Injuries: Sometimes, only part of the ACL is damaged. In such cases, your surgeon might suggest therapy before deciding on surgery.
• Associated Injuries: Often, an injury to the ACL is accompanied by additional damage to other parts of the knee, like meniscus tears or cartilage damage. These associated injuries also fall under the purview of an ACL reconstruction surgeon.

When Should You Consult an ACL Reconstruction Surgeon?

Recognising when to seek professional medical advice is vital for timely treatment and recovery. You should consider consulting an ACL reconstruction surgeon under the following circumstances:

• Persistent Knee Pain: If you’ve been experiencing continuous pain in your knee, especially after a fall or collision, it might indicate an injury to the ACL.
• Instability: A common symptom of an ACL injury is a feeling of instability or ‘giving way’ in the knee. If your knee unexpectedly buckles while walking or running, it’s time to consult an expert.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving your knee as freely as before could be another sign of an ACL issue.
• Swelling: Noticeable swelling in the knee following an injury is another cue to meet an ACL reconstruction surgeon.

What are the Diagnostic Techniques used by ACL Reconstruction Surgeons?

ACL reconstruction surgeons, or orthopaedic doctors specializing in ACL injuries, use a combination of physical examination and advanced imaging techniques to diagnose the extent and severity of an ACL injury. Here are a few diagnostic methods they employ:

• ACL surgeons conduct a thorough physical examination of the knee, checking for any noticeable swelling and testing the overall function of the knee.
• They may also request X-rays, not only to rule out bone fractures but also to get a clearer picture of the knee structure.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans serve as another useful diagnostic tool. They help in evaluating the degree of ACL injury and possible damage to other knee tissues.
• Ultrasound imaging can provide real-time visuals of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the knee.
• During the actual surgery, a diagnostic arthroscopy is performed. This allows the surgeon to verify the ACL tear, evaluate damage to other structures within the knee, and plan for graft harvesting and reconstruction.

What are the Different Procedures Conducted by ACL Reconstruction Surgeons?

ACL reconstruction surgeons in India employ a range of procedures to treat ACL injuries. Here are some of the common types of procedures:

• The Autografts procedure involves using the patient’s own tissue for ACL reconstruction. This can include:
  • Patellar Tendon Autograft: Using a strip of the patellar tendon along with a small piece of bone from the patella and tibia.
  • Hamstring Tendon Autograft: Employing two hamstring tendons harvested from the back of the thigh.
  • Quadriceps Tendon Autograft: Using the central portion of the quadriceps tendon, including a bone block from the patella.
• The Allografts procedure uses tissue from a cadaver donor for ACL reconstruction. This can include:
  • Patellar Tendon Allograft: Using a cadaver’s patellar tendon.
  • Hamstring Tendon Allograft: Utilising hamstring tendons from a cadaver.
  • Achilles Tendon Allograft: Using the Achilles tendon from a donor.
• Synthetic Grafts are a less common procedure where materials other than biological tissue are used, such as:
  • Polyester Graft: Made of synthetic polyester fibres.
  • Carbon Fibre Graft: Made from carbon fibre materials.

Why Should You Visit an ACL Reconstruction Surgeon?

ACL reconstruction surgeons are highly skilled and experienced professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating ACL injuries. They are the go-to experts for individuals who want to regain knee stability and return to athletic or physically demanding activities post-injury. Here are a few reasons why you might need the expertise of an ACL reconstruction surgeon:

• If you’re an athlete or any person leading an active lifestyle who wants to return to sports involving jumping, cutting, or pivoting after an ACL tear.
• If your knee feels unstable, frequently gives way, or buckles during everyday activities due to the ACL injury.
• If you have suffered a complete ACL tear that is unlikely to heal on its own with conservative treatments.
• If you have additional injuries to other knee ligaments or cartilage along with the ACL tear.

Remember, just like with any health condition, the sooner you seek consultation from a specialist, the quicker it is to avail the right treatment. So, if you experience any symptoms of an ACL injury, do not hesitate to consult an ACL reconstruction doctor.

FAQs

1. Are ACL reconstruction surgeons and orthopaedic doctors the same?

In the field of medical science, an orthopaedic doctor is a specialist who treats musculoskeletal system conditions, including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. On the other hand, an ACL reconstruction surgeon is an orthopaedic doctor with additional specialised training in diagnosing and treating ACL injuries. So, while all ACL reconstruction surgeons are orthopaedic doctors, not all orthopaedic doctors are ACL reconstruction surgeons.

2. How do I prepare for an ACL reconstruction operation?

Before the operation, your orthopaedic doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare. This can include stopping certain medications, fasting for a specific period before the surgery, and arranging for help during your recovery period.

3. What is the recovery process like after an ACL reconstruction surgery?

After the operation, you’ll likely need to use crutches or a knee brace for a few weeks. You’ll also have regular follow-ups with your surgeon, and start a physiotherapy programme to regain knee strength and mobility.