The ACL i.e. anterior cruciate ligament is one of a set of cruciate ligaments (posterior cruciate ligament being the other) in a person’s knee. These two ligaments are also referred to as cruciform ligaments since they are arranged in an intersected formation. An ACL tear can be agonizing and often debilitating injury. Most patients experiencing an ACL tear are nervous about the prospect of facing surgery and have many questions. We offer answers to some of those questions in this blog. These can help you decide whether you are ready to contact a San Francisco Bay Area orthopedic surgeon.
Is it Possible to Avoid ACL Rebuild Surgery?
ACL tears do not heal properly on their own. However, there are instances where non- surgical treatment options can be the right alternative for some patients. Some orthopedic doctors in the Bay Area recommend that the elderly or less active can often choose a rehabilitation program rather than surgery.
Who is the Right Candidate to consider ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
This form of treatment is considered ideal for active patients. For instance, athletes, especially those who participate in sporting activities that requiring pivoting. ACL reconstruction surgery might be a viable option after you have completed a rehabilitation program but you are still encountering knee instability or if you have injured more than one knee ligament.
Which Type of ACL Reconstruction Surgery is Suitable?
There are various options for ACL reconstructive surgeries. ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with a ligament from another source. Basically, this can be obtained by using a donor ligament from a tissue bank or utilizing portions of the patient’s own tissue.The most common options are the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon or more rarely the quadriceps tendon.
Despite the availability of many ACL reconstruction surgery options, ACL surgeons in San Francisco believe that the choice of graft should be customized for each particular patient. The most appropriate graft will be determined by the specifics of the injury, type of graft and age and size of the patient.
How Long Will it Take to Recover After Undergoing ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
According to Jeffrey Halbrecht, an orthopedic doctor in the Bay Area, the recovery period varies from one person to the other, the average recovery time for ACL reconstruction surgery IS 6-9 months. It is essential if you are a patient you commit to a proper rehabilitation program so as to ensure a total recovery.
If you are an athlete, the last stage of your recuperation will involve performing some sport- specific exercises.
Bottom Line
The purpose of ACL reconstruction surgery is to restore stability to the knee and return the patient to the level of function they were at before the tear. ACL injury can cause serious consequences of mobility and function, and even damage and degeneration to other structures if left untreated.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Halbrecht. He is a board certified orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco who specializes in arthroscopic surgery. He can help you get back to the activities you love as quickly as possible. (415) 923-0944
