ACL Surgery and ACL Tear Treatment in Prosper, TX

ACL Tear Prosper Specialist for Reconstruction

Prosper ACL Tear Surgery

When someone has a serious ACL tear, one of the most effective treatment options is ACL reconstruction surgery. This differs from anterior cruciate ligament repair, which generally has a poorer success rate compared to reconstruction. In Prosper, TX, the SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy team specializes in treating ACL injuries both surgically and nonsurgically. We have performed hundreds of successful ACL reconstruction surgeries, helping patients in Prosper and the surrounding areas get back on their feet and back in the game.

To schedule an appointment with one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Prosper, call SPORT today at 469-200-2832.

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What Is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial structure in the human knee joint, playing a vital role in providing stability and controlling the back-and-forth motion of the knee. It is one of the major ligaments located inside the knee, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). The ACL runs diagonally in the center of the knee and helps to prevent excessive forward movement or rotation of the tibia in relation to the femur.

This ligament is essential for maintaining the knee’s stability during activities involving sudden stops, changes in direction, or pivoting movements, commonly seen in sports like basketball, soccer, and skiing. It works in conjunction with other ligaments and muscles to support the knee joint and maintain its proper function.

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Knee Anatomy

The knee joint is made up of many different tissues and structures that all work in tandem to help the knee move back and forth, as well as bear the weight of the upper body. If even one of these structures, such as the ACL, is injured, it can significantly affect the function of the entire joint. In the following sections, we outline some of the most important structures in the knee.

Our knee joint includes three major bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap). The femur’s lower end forms the top part of the knee joint, while the tibia forms the lower part. The patella is a small, triangular bone that sits in front of the knee joint, protecting it and providing leverage for the thigh muscles. These bones work together to support and facilitate movements in the knee joint.

The thigh muscles around the knee joint include several key muscles:

  • Quadriceps Femoris: Including four muscles, the quadriceps femoris is located at the front of the thigh. These muscles (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius) help with leg extension.
  • Hamstrings: Found at the back of the thigh, the hamstrings consist of three muscles (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus). They flex the knee and play a role in hip extension.
  • Adductor Muscles: These muscles, including the adductor magnus, adductor longus, adductor brevis, and others, are on the inner side of the thigh. They aid in bringing the leg toward the midline of the body and contribute to stability.
  • Sartorius: Running diagonally across the thigh, the sartorius muscle assists in flexing the hip and knee and helps in rotating the leg outward.

These muscles work synergistically to enable various movements at the knee joint, including extension, flexion, and stabilization during activities like walking, running, jumping, and other lower body movements.

The knee joint is stabilized and supported by several ligaments:

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): Located inside the knee, the ACL prevents excessive forward movement of the tibia in relation to the femur and provides rotational stability.
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): Also situated within the knee joint, the PCL prevents backward movement of the tibia in relation to the femur, contributing to stability.
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Positioned on the inner side of the knee, the MCL stabilizes the inner part of the joint and helps prevent excessive inward (valgus) stress.
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): Found on the outer side of the knee, the LCL supports the outer part of the joint and helps prevent excessive outward (varus) stress.

The synovium is a thin, delicate membrane lining the inner surface of the joint capsule in the knee and other joints throughout the body. It produces synovial fluid, a viscous fluid that lubricates and nourishes the joint, facilitating smooth movement and reducing friction between the bones and other joint structures during motion.

Cartilage in the knee joint refers to specialized connective tissue that covers the ends of the bones within the joint. There are two types of cartilage in the knee:

  • Articular Cartilage: This smooth, slippery tissue covers the ends of the femur, tibia, and the underside of the patella (kneecap). Articular cartilage allows the bones to glide smoothly against each other during movement, providing cushioning and reducing friction in the knee joint.
  • Meniscus: The menisci are C-shaped wedges of fibrocartilage located between the femur and tibia. These act as shock absorbers, distribute weight, enhance joint stability, and help maintain the congruence between the bones, improving the fit of the joint surfaces.

Nerve fibers in the knee joint are part of the complex nervous system that provides sensory information and controls the movement and function of the knee. These nerves are responsible for transmitting signals to and from the brain, allowing for the perception of sensations such as pain, touch, temperature, and proprioception (awareness of joint position).

How Do You Tear Your ACL?

An ACL tear typically occurs due to sudden and forceful movements that put stress on the knee joint beyond its normal range of motion. Some common scenarios leading to ACL tears include:

  • Non-Contact Injuries: Sudden stops or changes in direction while running or landing from a jump, especially when the foot is planted firmly on the ground and the knee twists or turns abruptly. This can happen in sports like basketball, soccer, football, or skiing.
  • Direct Impact: Collisions or direct blows to the knee, often seen in contact sports, can result in an ACL tear due to the forceful impact on the joint.
  • Hyperextension: When the knee joint is bent backward beyond its usual limit, it can also lead to a torn ACL.
  • Pivoting or Rotational Movements: Rapid pivoting or twisting motions of the knee, especially when the foot is firmly planted and the body changes direction abruptly, can stress and potentially tear the ACL.

Factors such as weak muscles around the knee, poor landing mechanics, inadequate warm-up, fatigue, or previous knee injuries might increase the likelihood of an ACL injury. Additionally, genetics may play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to ligament injuries.

How Can I Prevent ACL Tears?

Preventing ACL tears involves a combination of strategies focusing on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, enhancing neuromuscular control, and adopting proper techniques during physical activities.

  • Strength Training: Develop strength in the muscles surrounding the knee, especially the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Strengthening these muscles helps stabilize the knee joint and reduces the risk of ACL injury.
  • Proprioception and Balance Training: Improve balance and proprioception through exercises that challenge stability, such as single-leg balances, wobble board exercises, and agility drills. Enhanced proprioception aids in better joint control and reduces the chances of ACL injuries.
  • Proper Technique: Learn and practice proper landing techniques during sports and activities that involve jumping or sudden changes in direction. Focus on bending your knees and hips when landing and avoid locking your knees.
  • Neuromuscular Training: Engage in programs specifically designed to enhance neuromuscular control, including agility drills, plyometrics, and movements that simulate sports-specific actions. These programs can improve coordination, muscle reaction time, and joint stability.
  • Warm-Up and Cool Down: Prioritize warm-up exercises to prepare the body for physical activity and cool down to gradually decrease heart rate and prevent stiffness post-exercise. Dynamic stretching during warm-ups helps improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Equipment and Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear that provides adequate support and traction for the specific activity or sport you’re participating in. Properly fitting shoes contribute to better stability and reduce the risk of slips or falls.

How Do I Know If I’ve Torn My ACL?

If you’ve torn your ACL, common signs include a popping sensation at the time of injury, immediate swelling in the knee, significant pain, difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg, instability or a feeling of the knee “giving way,” and limited range of motion. These are all common symptoms of a torn ligament in the knee.

Seeking prompt medical evaluation from a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist, is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. To help diagnose your injury, our orthopedic specialists may conduct a Lachman test or pivot shift test during a physical examination.

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Lachman Test

The Lachman test is a physical examination maneuver used by healthcare providers to assess the stability of the knee joint, specifically the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). During the test, the patient lies down with the knee slightly bent, and the examiner stabilizes the thigh while gently pulling or pushing the shin forward.

A positive Lachman test result indicates increased anterior movement of the tibia compared to the femur, suggesting potential ACL injury or laxity. This test helps in diagnosing ACL tears or instability in the knee.

Pivot Shift Test

The pivot shift test is a clinical examination used by healthcare professionals to assess knee instability, specifically to evaluate the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). During the test, the patient lies down with the knee bent and relaxed. The examiner rotates the lower leg while applying a slight force and extends the knee.

A positive pivot shift test results in a sudden or palpable shifting or giving way of the knee, indicating potential ACL injury or instability. This test aids in diagnosing ACL tears or assessing the severity of knee ligament injuries.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Prosper, TX

During ACL reconstruction surgery, the surgeon aims to replace the torn ACL with a graft to restore stability and function to the knee joint. The surgery typically involves the following steps:

  • Preparation: The patient is positioned on the operating table, and anesthesia is administered to induce unconsciousness or numb the area around the knee.
  • ACL Graft Harvesting: The surgeon selects a graft source, commonly using tissue from the patient’s own body (autograft) or a donor (allograft). Common autograft options include the patellar tendon, hamstring tendons, or quadriceps tendon. The graft is harvested, prepared, and shaped to match the size of the torn ACL.
  • Arthroscopic Examination: Small incisions are made around the knee, and an arthroscope (a small camera) is inserted through one of the incisions to visualize the inside of the joint. This allows the surgeon to assess the extent of the ACL injury and other structures in the knee.
  • ACL Reconstruction: Using specialized instruments, the surgeon creates tunnels in the femur and tibia to place the graft in the same position as the original ACL. The graft is secured in place using screws, fixation devices, or other techniques to hold it firmly while it integrates with the surrounding tissues.
  • Closure and Recovery: The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical staples, and a sterile dressing is applied. Post-surgery, the patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a post-anesthesia care unit or discharged with specific post-operative instructions.

How Do I Know If I Need ACL Surgery?

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The decision for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery depends on various factors, including the individual’s activity level, age, overall health, severity of the injury, symptoms, and desired functional goals. Not all anterior cruciate ligament injuries require surgery. However, if you meet any of the following criteria, you may be a candidate for ACL surgery.

Instability and Functional Limitations: If your knee feels unstable or gives way during regular activities or sports, even after a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy, surgery might be an option. This instability could impact your ability to perform daily tasks or engage in sports.

Complete ACL Tear: A complete tear of the ACL, especially in active individuals or athletes, might require surgical intervention to restore stability and function to the knee joint. Partial tears can sometimes be managed non-surgically, but complete tears often benefit from surgery, particularly if there’s associated instability.

Participation in High-Risk Activities: If you’re involved in sports or activities that involve cutting, pivoting, or sudden directional changes (e.g., soccer, basketball, skiing) and require a stable knee joint, we may recommend surgery to reduce the risk of further damage or recurrent injuries.

Persistent Symptoms: Ongoing symptoms such as significant pain, swelling, and difficulty in performing daily activities despite conservative treatments might indicate the need for surgical intervention to address the underlying ACL injury.

Desire to Return to High-Level Activities: If you have a strong desire to return to high-level sports or activities that demand a stable knee joint and optimal function, we may recommend surgery to improve the chances of successful participation post-recovery.

Is ACL Surgery a Major Surgery?

Yes, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery is considered a major surgical procedure. It involves reconstructing the torn ACL using tissue grafts from either the patient’s own body (autograft tissue) or a donor (allograft tissue). Two common examples are a hamstring tendon autograft and a patellar tendon graft.

The surgery is performed by orthopedic surgeons and typically requires anesthesia. While it’s a common procedure, the rehabilitation process post-surgery is fairly extensive and critical for successful recovery and restoring knee function.

Is ACL Surgery Painful?

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery can involve some post-operative pain during the initial stages of recovery. However, the degree of pain experienced varies among individuals. Surgeons typically prescribe pain medications to manage discomfort in the immediate post-surgery period. Following the surgical procedure, adhering to the prescribed pain management plan and engaging in the recommended rehabilitation program can help in minimizing pain and promoting recovery.

What Are the Alternatives to ACL Reconstruction?

Alternatives to ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction exist, particularly for individuals with certain circumstances or preferences. These alternatives might be considered based on factors like the individual’s activity level, age, overall health, severity of injury, and functional goals. We typically only recommend more conservative alternatives when the ACL injury is less severe.

Some of the most common alternatives to ACL reconstruction include the following.

Non-Surgical Management: In cases of partial ACL tears or in individuals with low activity levels or those willing to modify their activities, non-surgical approaches might be considered. This involves a comprehensive rehabilitation program focusing on physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and functional training to improve knee stability and function without surgery.

Bracing and Support: Wearing a brace or using supportive devices might provide stability and reduce the risk of further injury for some individuals, particularly those with mild instability or who engage in lower-impact activities. Braces can help stabilize the knee and provide support during certain movements or activities.

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What Happens After ACL Surgery?

After ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery, the immediate focus is on the initial recovery phase and setting the foundation for rehabilitation. While each patient’s recovery is unique to their circumstances, the general recovery process includes the following stages.

  • Recovery Room and Discharge: Following surgery, patients spend time in the recovery room to monitor vital signs and ensure there are no immediate complications. Once stable, patients are discharged with specific post-operative instructions.
  • Pain Management: Pain management is crucial in the initial phase. Doctors may prescribe pain medications to manage discomfort during the first few days after surgery.
  • Rest and Elevation: Rest and elevation of the leg are recommended to reduce swelling and discomfort. Using ice packs intermittently on the knee can also help control swelling.
  • Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation starts soon after surgery. Physical therapy plays a critical role in restoring knee function, strength, and range of motion. Initially, therapy focuses on gentle exercises, reducing swelling, and regaining basic knee movements.
  • Weight-Bearing and Mobility: Depending on the surgeon’s instructions and the specific surgical technique used, patients may be advised to restrict weight-bearing or use crutches initially. Gradual progression to weight-bearing and walking occurs as directed by the medical team.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Patients typically have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to assess healing progress, remove sutures or staples, and evaluate the need for ongoing rehabilitation.
  • Return to Activities: Returning to normal activities, including sports or physically demanding tasks, is a gradual process. The timing of return to sports varies based on individual progress, adherence to rehabilitation, and the surgeon’s guidance.

What Is ACL Reconstruction Recovery Like?

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ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction recovery involves several phases. Initially, the focus is on reducing pain and swelling, restoring range of motion, and gradually increasing weight-bearing. Then, the emphasis shifts to strengthening exercises, improving knee stability, and enhancing functional movements.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role throughout the recovery period, which can span several months. Patients typically progress from using crutches to walking, then to more advanced exercises and activities, eventually returning to sports or high-impact activities, often after 6-12 months post-surgery. Compliance with the rehabilitation program, follow-up appointments, and gradual reintroduction to activities is vital for a successful recovery.

How Long Does ACL Surgery Take?

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to perform. However, the duration can vary based on factors such as the specific surgical technique used, the complexity of the injury, and any additional surgical treatment needed, such as meniscus repair or cartilage treatment.

How Much Does ACL Surgery Cost?

The cost of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery can vary significantly based on various factors including geographical location, the specific surgical procedure performed, whether it’s done as an outpatient or inpatient procedure, the surgeon’s fees, hospital charges, anesthesia costs, pre-surgery evaluations, post-operative care, and rehabilitation expenses. Generally, ACL surgery can cost thousands to several thousand dollars without factoring in potential insurance coverage or assistance programs.

The best way to have a clear understanding of the cost of your surgery is to consult with your surgeon directly. At SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy, we accept many forms of insurance.

Call SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy Today

The team at SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy offers a wide variety of treatment options for a wide variety of orthopedic conditions. No matter the severity of your injury, we have both conservative and surgical treatment options to meet your needs.

To schedule an appointment with our team of orthopedic specialists, please call our office at 469-200-2832 today.