Dr. Darsh Goyal an Orthopedic Surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience in shoulder and knee surgery, is well-respected. He has worked in some the most prestigious hospitals around the world. He has treated over nine thousand patients. Dr. Darsh received training at some of the best institutes around, including Hss New York, USA, NHS England, and Munich, Germany. His publications and papers have been published.

What is ACL Surgery?

ACL surgery refers to the repair or reconstruction (or both) of the anteriorcruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL, a critical soft-tissue structure of the knee connecting the femur and the tibia, is important. A common injury for athletes is a torn or partially torn ACL. ACL tears that are complete can be treated by orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians with ACL reconstruction surgery. This involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tissue transplant to replicate the natural ACL. HSS uses an interprofessional approach to treating ACL injuries. Physiatrists and sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons and radiology professionals all work together to find the best option for each patient. HSS scientists and physicians continue to research ACL surgery options to improve the long-term and short-term outcomes of patients who have suffered an ACL injury.

Different types of ACL Surgery

Your doctor will place a tendon after removing your torn ACL. Tendons are a link between muscle and bone. Your goal is to stabilize your knee and restore the range of motion it had before it was injured. A graft is when the tendon is inserted into your knee. ACL surgery can use three types of grafts:

• Autograft. The doctor will use a tendon taken from another part of your body (like your other knee or hamstring).
• Allograft. This type of transplant uses tissue from a deceased donor.
• Synthetic graft. Synthetic graft is the replacement of tendon with artificial materials. In the early 20th centur
• y, silver fibres and silk were the first to be used. While there are more advanced options now like Teflon and carbon fibre, researchers continue to search for the best material to replace ACL.

What causes an ACL tear? Who is at Risk?

Most commonly, ACL tears occur in high-activity people. ACL injuries can be caused by certain movements:

• Landing flat-footed after a jump
• overextending your knee joint
• changing direction fast
• Running at a faster speed

If your knee is struck, you can injure the ACL. This could happen in a car accident, or during a football tackle. ACL tears are common sports injuries. Athletes are more likely to sustain knee injuries from sports like basketball, football, soccer, and skiing. These activities involve pivoting or jumping. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), ACL injuries in female athletes are 2-10 times more common than those in male athletes.

Recognizing the Signs of An ACL Tear

When someone injures their ACLs, they often hear a popping sound. The swelling of the knee usually occurs within six hours after injury. It can be very severe. This condition can make it difficult to walk, turn, or twist your injured leg. Your knee will feel unstable and as though it is going to give way under you.