Sports Injuries: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
September 15, 2024
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Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a competitive athlete, or just love staying active, sports injuries
ACL Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The ACL is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize the knee joint, and injuries to this ligament are common, especially among athletes and active individuals. This procedure is designed to restore stability and function to the knee, allowing patients to return to their desired activities.
ACL reconstruction involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft, which can be taken from the patient’s own tissue (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). The surgery aims to restore normal knee function and prevent further injury.
Who Needs ACL Reconstruction?
Candidates for ACL reconstruction typically include individuals who:
- Have sustained a complete tear of the ACL.
- Experience knee instability or episodes of the knee giving way during activities.
- Wish to return to high-impact sports or activities that require knee stability.
- Have not found relief from conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or bracing.
The Procedure
ACL reconstruction is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques. The procedure generally includes the following steps:
- Anesthesia: Patients are given general or regional anesthesia to ensure comfort during the surgery.
- Incision: Small incisions are made around the knee joint to allow access to the ACL.
- Removal of Damaged Tissue: The torn ACL is removed.
- Graft Placement: A graft is prepared and secured in place using screws or other fixation devices.
- Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures or staples, and the knee is bandaged.
The surgery usually lasts about 1 to 2 hours and may be performed on an outpatient basis.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from ACL reconstruction involves a structured rehabilitation program, which typically includes:
- Initial Rest: Rest and elevation are recommended immediately after surgery to reduce swelling.
- Physical Therapy: A personalized rehab program begins shortly after surgery to improve range of motion, strength, and stability.
- Gradual Return to Activities: Most patients can resume light activities within a few weeks, while returning to sports may take 6 to 12 months, depending on individual healing and rehabilitation progress.
About Dr. Saif Nabi Shah
I currently practice at Medanta Hospital, Lucknow, where I’m the Director of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopaedics.
My expertise covers Partial and Total Knee Replacement Surgery, Hip Replacement Surgery, Revision Surgeries, as well as Spinal Decompression & Fixation. To date, I’ve performed over 1500 joint replacement surgeries and more than 5000 orthopaedic surgeries.
Google Reviews
Dr. Saif is very kindness and having good knowledge.Thanks to Dr Saif and entire team for operating surgery my Right hand shoulder
Experience is very much excellentDr Saif sir and his all team person work is very excellent
Dear Dr. SaifThanks for the great care after my Mother TKR surgery! Your expertise and support have made a huge difference in my Mother recovery. pain-free and regaining strength. Appreciate your guidance and would highly recommend you to others.
Dr. Saif N Shah and his team was kind. He listened to my concerns, and I greatly appreciated him walking me through every step of my forearm surgery I received. I felt confident with his treatment plan and would highly recommend him to other patients.
Dr Saif N Shah with his team is best doctor for orthopedic surgery. I was very much worried about my daughter's surgery but Dr Saif explained in detail the surgery procedure in very polite manner . After surgery I am very satisfied. Thanks to Dr Saif and team to perform pre and Post surgery care. I also appreciate the works and care of nursing and patients support staff at medanta specially supporting staff Mrs Geeta. She is very caring. Thanks to Dr Saif and his team .
Dr. Saif isn't just a great doctor, He's a great human being, consciously doesn't write unnecessary tests, even tells u not to visit unnecessarily. In this day and age coming across an individual like him is a blessing in itself, Add his medical expertise on top of it and u get a justification for why doctors are often compared with God.He handled my implant removal with utmost care and responsibility. I wish there were more doctors and in general more humans like Dr. Saif. Thank you sir !
Dr Saif is an excellent surgeon! The way he handles his cases is really impressive. He has a very clear line of thought. He very adeptly tackles the treatment process and understands not just the pain caused by injury but also by the surgery. Thank you Dr Saif and the whole team at Medanta Lucknow for taking such good care of me.
Specialitiy
Tags
OPD Hours
Monday - Friday
9.00 - 17.00
Saturday
9.00 - 17.00
Experience
Years of Working
22+
Joint Replacement Surgeries
2000+
Othopedic Sugeries
6000+
FAQ
In ACL reconstruction, the surgeon removes the damaged anterior cruciate ligament and replaces it with a graft. This graft can be taken from the patient’s own tissue (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). The procedure involves small incisions around the knee to access the joint, where the new graft is secured in place using screws or fixation devices. This aims to restore stability and function to the knee.
Recovery from ACL reconstruction typically takes about 6 to 12 months. Initial recovery focuses on reducing swelling and regaining range of motion, while physical therapy is crucial for building strength and stability. Most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks, but returning to sports and high-impact activities usually requires a longer rehabilitation period.
Yes, most patients can begin walking with the aid of crutches on the same day as their ACL reconstruction surgery. Early mobility is encouraged, but it may take some time before you can walk without assistance. Physical therapy will help improve strength and mobility in the knee, facilitating a gradual return to normal walking.
Testimonials
Dr. Saif performed knee replacement surgery on my mother, and the results have been amazing. She struggled with pain for years, but now she can move around comfortably again. Dr. Saif was very caring and patient, always making sure we understood everything. We’re very grateful for his help!
I have known Dr. Saif for over 20 years and can attest to his professionalism and sincerity. He is not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to his patients’ well-being. His dedication and compassionate approach make him a trusted and exceptional doctor
I have known Dr. Saif for the past 8 years, and his professionalism and dedication to his work have always impressed me. He consistently demonstrates a sincere commitment to his patients, offering expert care with compassion. Dr. Saif's expertise and caring approach make him a truly exceptional orthopedic surgeon
