ACL Reconstruction Surgery

If you’ve torn your ACL, ACL reconstruction surgery might be the solution. Basically, the doctor will replace your damaged ACL with a new tissue graft. Most of the time, they use a piece from your own body (called an autograft), but sometimes, they’ll use tissue from a donor (allograft). The most common grafts come from the patellar tendon (near your kneecap) or the hamstring tendons at the back of your thigh. Sometimes, they may use the quadriceps tendon above your kneecap. Tendons connect muscles to bones, while ligaments like the ACL connect bones to each other.

ACL injuries are pretty common in sports that require fast movements, like pivoting or turning—so if you play football, soccer, skiing, tennis, or basketball, you might be more prone to this injury. Dr. Gangrade’s expertise in ACL reconstruction can help get you back on track and doing what you love, safely.

An illustration showing a knee joint during an arthroscopic surgery. The image depicts an arthroscope and a shaving instrument being used on the knee joint. The inset on the left shows the location of the knee joint on a full leg.

ACL Reconstruction Hamstring Tendon

The ACL, one of the major ligaments in your knee, helps connect your femur (thigh bone) to your tibia (shin bone), providing stability and control. It also keeps your tibia from sliding too far forward and helps limit excessive rotation. When it’s injured, everything from walking to playing sports can feel off.

One effective way to fix a torn ACL is through hamstring tendon reconstruction. This surgery involves replacing the damaged ACL with a healthy tendon from your hamstring. Once the new tendon is in place, it restores the stability of your knee, allowing you to move with confidence and ease again. Over time, the knee regains its strength, and you can get back to doing the things you love.

Anatomy of the ACL

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is super important for knee stability. It’s like a strong, rope-like structure that connects your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). Think of it as the ligament that helps keep everything in place when you move. It also controls knee rotation and prevents your tibia from sliding too far forward. Without it, your knee would be a lot less stable, especially when you’re running, jumping, or twisting.

But here’s the thing—when the ACL gets torn, it doesn’t heal itself. And that can make your knee feel unstable or weak, which means everyday activities, like walking or playing sports, can become tricky. The good news is that ACL reconstruction surgery can fix it. By replacing the torn ligament with a new graft, your knee can be restored to its full strength, giving you the stability and confidence to move freely again. With the right treatment, you’ll be back to doing what you love, feeling strong and stable.

An anatomical illustration of the knee joint highlighting the ligaments and menisci. The diagram labels the anterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament, lateral meniscus, posterior cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, medial collateral ligament, and transverse ligament.
An anatomical illustration of the knee joint showing the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) anatomy. The diagram includes labeled parts such as the femur, patella, lateral collateral ligament, lateral meniscus, tibia, posterior cruciate ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, and medial collateral ligament. An inset shows a close-up of a torn ACL.

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Indications for ACL Reconstruction

If you’ve injured your ACL, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Even better, you’re in the right hands with Dr. Kewal Gangrade. Based in Bhopal, he’s one of the top orthopedic surgeons specializing in ACL reconstruction surgery. With his expert care, countless patients have been helped to recover from ACL tears and other knee injuries.

Most ACL injuries happen during sports, especially when there’s a sudden twist, hyperextension, or a bad landing. Typically, they occur when quick direction changes, abrupt stops, or improper landings from a jump put too much pressure on the knee. Football, with all its fast movements and tackles, is one of the main culprits.

With Dr. Gangrade’s years of experience, every step of your diagnosis and treatment is handled with precision. The process is made simple and stress-free, so you can focus on healing. Before you know it, you’ll be back to doing what you love, stronger and more confident than ever!

Causes of ACL Reconstruction

ACL reconstruction surgery is often recommended when the ACL has been torn, which is a common injury during sports involving sudden movements or overstretching of the knee. Typically, this injury is caused by:

  • Quick changes in direction while playing sports.
  • Sudden stops during running.
  • Awkward landings after a jump.

Over time, these movements put a lot of strain on the ACL. Once it tears, surgery is usually seen as the best option to restore the knee’s strength and stability. Ultimately, the goal is to help you get back to your active, pain-free lifestyle. With the right care, you’ll be moving confidently again in no time!

Symptoms of ACL Reconstruction

When an ACL injury occurs, a distinct “pop” is often heard, and a sensation of the knee buckling or giving way is typically experienced. Shortly afterward, swelling is usually observed, which is caused by bleeding from the torn ligament’s blood vessels. Additionally, the knee may feel unstable, especially during activities that require sudden directional changes.

Therefore, for a precise diagnosis and advanced treatment, consulting Dr. Kewal Gangrade is highly recommended. Renowned as one of the best orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Gangrade’s care ensures that stability is restored, and patients are safely guided back to their active lifestyle.

Diagnosis of ACL Reconstruction

ACL injuries are typically diagnosed through a detailed knee examination, and this process is often followed by diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, and, in some cases, arthroscopy. Through these methods, the extent of the injury is carefully assessed, and any associated damage is identified. As a result, a complete understanding of the condition of the knee is provided to ensure accurate treatment planning.

For those dealing with an ACL injury, consulting Dr. Kewal Gangrade is highly recommended. Widely regarded as one of the best orthopedic surgeons, he is trusted for ensuring that each diagnosis is precise and every treatment plan is carefully designed. With his advanced care, a successful recovery is made possible, allowing patients to regain their active lifestyles.

Preparation for ACL Reconstruction

Prior to ACL reconstruction surgery, several preparatory steps are typically undertaken:

Medical History Review

Your medical history and physical examination are evaluated to address any pre-existing medical issues.

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on your history, social background, and age, tests such as blood work and imaging may be conducted to identify any abnormalities that could impact surgery safety.

Medication Review

Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or underlying conditions, such as heart or lung disease.

Medication Adjustment

You may need to discontinue certain medications, like blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, or aspirin, a week or two before surgery.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Avoid alcohol and tobacco for a few days before surgery and several weeks afterward, as they can impede healing.

Fasting

Refrain from consuming solids or liquids at least 8 hours before surgery.

Transportation Arrangement

Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Informed Consent

After discussing the surgery's risks and benefits, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form.

These steps ensure a safe and successful ACL reconstruction surgery.

Risks and complications

Potential hazards and complications linked to ACL reconstruction using the patellar tendon technique encompass:

  • Numbness
  • Risk of infection

  • Formation of blood clots (Deep vein thrombosis)

  • Possible damage to nerves and blood vessels

  • Graft failure

  • Graft loosening

  • Reduction in range of motion

  • Crepitus (kneecap crackling or grating sensation)

  • Knee pain

  • Recurrence of graft injury

FAQs

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction surgery is a procedure to repair a torn ACL in the knee by replacing it with a graft.

The surgeon typically uses arthroscopic techniques, making small incisions to insert a camera and surgical instruments to reconstruct the ACL.

Surgery is often recommended for individuals who have torn their ACL and experience instability in the knee, especially athletes or active individuals.

Common graft options include the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or cadaver (allograft) tissue.

Risks include infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel damage, graft failure, and decreased range of motion, among others.

Recovery involves physical therapy, rest, and gradually increasing activity levels over several months to regain strength and function in the knee.

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