ACL Tear and Reconstruction
ACL Tear and Reconstruction in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The most important ligament in the knee, called the ACL, can be injured in many ways, the most common being an ACL tear. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that attach one bone to another. Sports that include sudden stops and changes in direction, like soccer, basketball, football, and volleyball, tend to be the number one cause of this knee injury.
Below is a list of symptoms of an ACL tear that include but is not limited to:
- A loud pop or “popping” sensation in the knee
- Severe pain and inability to continue an activity
- Rapid swelling
- Loss of range of motion
- A feeling of instability or “giving way” when weight bearing
ACL Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction surgery is used to replace a torn ACL where the torn ligament is removed and replaced with a band of tissue that usually connects muscle to bone from another part of the knee or a donor.
ACL Reconstruction surgery is recommended if:
- You’re an athlete and want to continue your sport, especially if the sport involves jumping, cutting, or pivoting
- More than one ligament is injured
- You have a torn meniscus that requires repair
- The injury is causing your knee to buckle during normal every day activities
- You’re young
ACL Reconstruction Recovery
Within the first few weeks after surgery, it should be your goal to regain a range of motion equal to the other knee. Full recovery generally takes about 9 months, however, it may take up to 12 months for athletes to return to their sports. A successful reconstruction will help increase your chances of regaining all stability and function in your knee.