Can You Improve Your Recovery Timeline?
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is no laughing matter, especially for athletes. The injury impacts athletic performance and requires significant downtime of at least 12 months. The ACL is a ligament located in the knee that connects the thigh and shin bones. This ligament is crucial for stabilizing the knee, preventing the shin from sliding too far forward. The ACL is also important for rotational control, proprioception, and force distribution. ACL tears occur after a collision, fall, or unnatural twist of the knee. Surgery is often used to address full ACL tears. After years of success, minimally invasive ACL surgery is seen as an effective way to reduce recovery timeline and return to sports.
What happens when you tear your ACL?
When an athlete experiences an ACL injury, the immediate and long-term effects can be severe. The immediate symptoms include a popping sensation, followed by swelling, pain, and instability. The knee gives way, meaning the athlete can no longer apply pressure to the leg. ACL injuries, if not treated appropriately, can lead to long-term issues like instability, poor athletic performance, meniscus damage, and even osteoarthritis. A doctor, such as an orthopedic surgeon, will review the injury using imaging tests and determine the best course of treatment. Partial ACL tears can benefit from long-term rehabilitation without surgery. More severe complete tears require ACL reconstruction, which replaces the damaged ligament with a new tendon from a donor or graft from the patient.
What is minimally invasive ACL surgery?
A doctor can recommend minimally invasive surgery (MIS) instead of open surgery. Traditional open surgery requires a large incision several inches along the front of the knee to access the ACL. MIS, on the other hand, uses 1-2 incisions the size of buttonholes to perform the reconstruction. Through an incision, the surgeon will insert a device called an arthroscope with a camera and light attached. This device allows the surgeon to view the damaged knee on an external monitor. The second incision allows additional surgical tools to repair the ligament. During ACL surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged ligament and then drills holes in the shin and thigh bones. The new tendon is then anchored with screws and wires. Using a minimally invasive approach, there are many fantastic benefits.
Smaller incisions, better results
As minimally invasive ACL surgery only uses small incisions, there is less pain and blood loss. Smaller incisions mean reduced tissue damage and scarring, meaning improved success rates. Furthermore, as the surgery is more efficient, the patient can leave the hospital the same day. Large incisions are also known for increased complications like infections. The smaller incisions also mean a shorter recovery timeline. There is reduced inflammation and swelling in the first few weeks of surgery. Healing also speeds up due to minimal tissue disruption. The typical recovery time for traditional surgery is also reduced as early mobility is now possible in days as opposed to weeks.
Personalized rehabilitation and improved outcomes
Improved outcomes and reduced tissue damage mean that recovery can be optimized. Athletes with ACL injuries need extensive recovery time and return to full fitness. The rehabilitation process can start earlier than expected, with some beginning in a few days. While no 2 injuries are the same, a customized approach is possible with MIS. Mobility, pain management, strength, and conditioning work can happen quickly, saving the athlete weeks or even months.
Enjoy your return to sport
Minimally invasive ACL surgery is an excellent procedure but may not be for all patients. The severity of the injury and the athlete's goals are determining factors. The athlete who wants to return to sports sooner can also consider MIS. The benefits can reduce complications and optimize recovery. Speak with an orthopedic surgeon to use this surgery for a faster, safer return to sports.
