If you have experienced a knee injury, and pain and instability keep you from doing the activities you love, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can put you back on your feet. At the Joint Preservation Institute, with offices in Sacramento, Walnut Creek, and the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood in San Francisco, California, experienced orthopedic surgeon Amir Jamali, MD, offers ACL reconstruction with minimally invasive techniques to promote faster healing and better results. To learn more, contact the nearest Joint Preservation Institute office by phone or online today.
Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a major role in stabilizing your knee. It runs through the center of your knee from the thigh bone (femur) to your shin bone (tibia). If this ligament tears, it can’t heal independently, and the resulting instability requires treatment.
ACL reconstruction is a frequently performed surgical procedure, and with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery techniques, you can expect minimal incisions and a low risk of complications. It involves removing damaged ligament and replacing it with tendon tissue from your hamstring or donated Achilles tendon tissue.
If your knee won’t hold your weight or move stably after a knee injury, this surgery might be critical to maintain your quality of life and return to the activities you love. ACLs may be injured by:
You might hear a “pop” sound and feel the knee buckle when the ACL is injured, followed by swelling in the area. Dr. Jamali can diagnose an ACL injury by examining the knee and running diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRIs, and arthroscopy.
ACL reconstruction surgery aims to restore your knee’s stability by providing the tight ligament connection needed between the upper and lower leg bones. You are asleep for this procedure.
Dr. Jamali makes two tiny incisions and replaces the torn ACL with healthy tissue. He secures your graft, then sutures and dresses the area, completing your ACL reconstruction.
You begin rehabilitation with a physical therapist right away, learning specific exercises to restore healthy knee movement and strengthen your leg. As with any surgery, there are possible risks and complications to look out for, including:
If you give yourself time to heal (no competitive sports for five to six months), ACL reconstruction has a remarkable track record of returning patients to active lifestyles.
To get up and running again, contact the Joint Preservation Institute office to book an appointment by phone or online today.