15 Frequently Asked Questions About ACL Surgery – Answered by an Orthopedic Surgeon
An ACL injury is a common knee problem. It often happens during sports, running, sudden twisting of the knee, or accidents. The ACL is a ligament in the knee that helps keep the knee stable. When this ligament tears, the knee may feel painful, swollen, and weak.
Many people with this injury may need ACL surgery to fix the damaged ligament and make the knee strong again. Before surgery, patients usually want to know about the procedure, ACL surgery recovery time, pain after surgery, walking after surgery, and exercises for recovery.
In this article, Dr. Anuj Jain, an orthopedic surgeon in Delhi with 15+ years of experience, answers common questions about ACL surgery to help patients understand the treatment and recovery process.
1. What is ACL surgery?
ACL surgery is done to fix a torn ligament in the knee. If the ligament is badly damaged, the surgeon replaces it with a small piece of tendon called a graft. This helps the knee become stable again.
2. What is ACL reconstruction surgery?
ACL reconstruction is the most common surgery for a torn ACL. In this surgery, the damaged ligament is replaced with a new tendon. Over time, this new tendon works like a normal ligament in the knee.
3. How long does ACL surgery recovery take?
The ACL surgery recovery time is usually 6 to 9 months. Most patients can start walking with support in a few weeks. Returning to sports may take several months with proper physiotherapy.
4. Is ACL surgery very painful?
Some pain after ACL surgery is normal. The pain is usually stronger in the first few days. Doctors give medicines to control the pain, and it slowly improves as the knee heals.
5. When can you walk after ACL surgery?
Most patients can start walking after ACL surgery with crutches within a few days. Walking normally without support may take a few weeks.
6. How should you sleep after ACL surgery?
Doctors usually suggest sleeping on your back with your leg raised on pillows. This helps reduce swelling and keeps the knee comfortable.
7. What should you avoid after ACL surgery?
After surgery, avoid running, jumping, or twisting your knee suddenly. These movements can damage the healing ligament.
8. How long does ACL reconstruction surgery take?
ACL reconstruction surgery usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. It is usually done using small cuts and a camera, which helps patients recover faster.
9. Is ACL reconstruction a major surgery?
Yes, it is a major surgery. But it is also a very common and safe procedure when done by an experienced orthopedic surgeon.
10. What happens during ACL surgery?
During the surgery, the damaged ligament is removed and replaced with a tendon graft. The surgeon uses small tools and a tiny camera to perform the surgery.
11. Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?
A small ACL injury may heal with rest and physiotherapy. But a complete tear usually needs surgery to make the knee stable again.
12. When is ACL surgery needed?
ACL surgery is needed when the ligament is completely torn and the knee feels unstable while walking, running, or playing sports.
13. How successful is ACL surgery?
ACL surgery is usually very successful. Many patients can return to their normal daily activities after proper recovery and physiotherapy.
14. When can you run after ACL surgery?
Most patients can start running after about 4 to 6 months. This depends on how well the knee has healed.
15. What exercises are needed after ACL surgery?
Exercises after ACL surgery help make the knee strong again. Physiotherapy usually includes simple knee movement exercises and muscle strengthening.
ACL Surgery Treatment in Delhi
Today, ACL surgery in Delhi is commonly done using modern techniques. These techniques use small cuts and help patients recover faster.
If you have a knee injury, it is important to see an experienced orthopedic doctor for proper treatment.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should see a doctor if you have:
- Knee pain after an injury
- Swelling in the knee
- Difficulty walking
- Knee feeling loose or unstable
Getting treatment early can help prevent more damage to the knee.
Book an ACL Surgery Consultation in Delhi
If you have knee pain or think you may have an ACL injury, it is important to get medical advice. Dr. Anuj Jain, an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Delhi with more than 15 years of experience, provides treatment for ACL injuries and other knee problems.
With the right treatment and physiotherapy, many patients recover well and return to their normal activities.
Book your consultation with Dr. Anuj Jain today to get expert advice and the right treatment for your ACL injury.
