Was anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery recommended by your doctor? Some important information are summarized here about preparation for the surgery, steps of the intervention and details of the postoperative care. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is currently one of the most advanced interventions in medicine, it helps treating ligament injuries of the knee joint and may improve quality of life and mobility significantly.
Joints are found at the connection area of two or more bones, where the bone ends are covered by cartilage to provide smooth movement. Joints are stabilised and supported by ligaments around them. Movement of the joints are controlled by muscles and tendons that are attached to the bones outside the area of joints.
Anterior cruciate ligament tear is one of the most common ligament injuries of the knee, caused by severe knee sprain or knee distortion.
There are two basic options for treatment of cruciate ligament rupture. One is to stitch the cruciate ligament back together and the other one is to replace the cruciate ligament. Stitching is a limited option and used rarely, since its results are not always satisfactory. Cruciate ligament replacement is performed a lot more often, and it is the most common and efficient way to repair a torn cruciate ligament. During the surgery, an own ligament (usually a tendon of the patient) is used to replace the injured ligament.
Even though anterior cruciate ligament replacement is a routine intervention, the patient should have previous evaluations for safety reasons (such as laboratory and urine testing, and internal medicinal or other consultations, if necessary). In the evening before the intervention, the patient may have dinner, but must not consume any food after midnight. The next day, in the morning of the surgery, eating is prohibited but the patient may drink water until 10 AM, and may take their regular medicines, however, it must be discussed with the physician who prescribed them.
The patient must prepare their home for the recovery period, which includes having comfortable spots for resting and aids for the physiotherapy.
Postoperatively, on the day of the surgery (if the intervention was performed in the morning; or the next morning, if it was in the afternoon), the patient is able to sit on the side of the bed, stand up and start rehabilitation exercises with the help of a physiotherapist. The operated leg may be loaded until painful, using an aid (usually a pair of elbow crutches).
Hospitalisation usually lasts for 3 or 4 days, and removal of surgical stitches is performed 10 to 14 days after the surgery. Patients need to continue their physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises at home to provide complete recovery to the knee and regain its full mobility.
Advantages of a cruciate ligament replacement are restored stability of the knee with its previous activity levels. The surgery helps prevent further injuries and long-term deterioration to the knee. Using these modern surgical techniques and instruments shortens the time of recovery, and patients may resume their everyday life and sport activities sooner.
Even though anterior cruciate ligament replacement is an effective method, it involves certain risks. These include infections, bleeding, joint stiffness and surgical complications, such as injury to the tissues and nerves. Also, the implanted tendon may not attach fully, which may require further interventions.
In case any complications develop during/after the surgery, and it is necessary, care will be provided at Szent-Györgyi Albert Medical Center – Emergency Care Unit, for a fee.
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Mediversal Egészségügyi Szolgáltató Kft. is a private healthcare facility owned entirely by the University of Szeged. Thanks to our unique clinical background, the outpatient and inpatient care we provide and the laboratory and imaging diagnostics we offer are performed by internationally renowned specialists in their fields who are at the forefront of research and innovation, supported by highly experienced staff. In addition to the excellent professional staff, our well-equipped facilities, quality hotel services, and, first and foremost, the customer-centric, personalised care we provide guarantee a complete healing experience.
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