Plastic surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament responsible for the stability of the knee joint, connecting the bones of the tibia with the femur.
Knee injuries are most often associated with damage to the anterior cruciate ligament. Treatment of such injuries is usually carried out surgically, including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL reconstruction).

Plastics of the chemical industry

- is an arthroscopic intervention aimed at removing the damaged ligament and replacing it with a graft. This procedure is also known as transplantation or reconstruction. If the operation is performed properly, the functionality of the joint is fully restored.

To replace the ligament, the patient's own tendons are used, usually the semitendinosus muscle or the vastus medialis muscle. The use of these tissues ensures minimal disruption of knee joint function, minimizes cosmetic defects, and facilitates faster rehabilitation.

The operation is performed by arthroscopy, a high-precision surgical intervention that avoids damage to soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels. All manipulations are performed in the area of the injury, which eliminates the formation of noticeable scars or scars.

Anesthesia is used during the procedure. To perform the operation, the surgeon makes several small punctures: one for the optical probe with a video camera (5 mm) and one or two punctures (up to 5 mm) for auxiliary instruments. The arthroscope, which provides 40-60 times magnification of the injury area, allows the intervention to be performed with maximum accuracy.

Indications for surgery:

• ineffectiveness of conservative treatment;
• frequent repeated injuries;
• incorrect transplantation that did not provide stability;
• transverse tear of the ligament along its entire width;
• complete separation of the fibers from the bone;
• significant instability of the knee.

Contraindications to the operation:

• restriction of joint mobility;
• high risk of complications;
• diseases of the cardiovascular or respiratory system;
• skin infections, inflammations, pustules, or ulcers;
• chronic diseases;
• allergic reactions to medications or anesthesia.

Rehabilitation after surgery

During the first month, it is necessary to avoid any load on the injured leg. It is recommended that the patient use crutches to get around. In the first two weeks after the surgery, the patient undergoes physical therapy and physiotherapy under the supervision of a doctor. After about a month, the patient switches from crutches to a cane, and then to walking without additional devices.

Returning to normal life is possible only after the graft is strengthened. Full restoration of joint function usually takes about three months, in some cases up to six months.

Arthrex develops advanced, minimally invasive orthopedic products and surgical techniques that improve the quality of life for people around the world.
Link to the offline site - https://www.arthrex.com/