ACL reconstruction or PCL reconstruction usually takes a lot of patience, supervision by the doctor, physiotherapy and support from family to get through.
Here are some FAQs about ACL reconstruction or PCL reconstruction surgery.
In this article, we have tried to answer such questions.
Ans. Just like most human body parts, ACL or PCL can heal itself by fibrosis, but only when the injury is very small. Even though the tissue is healed, it will not be able to withstand the shearing force that a human body has to endure. Hence, in some situations, surgery may be the best choice. It is always advisable to consult a doctor to know the best treatment option for an ACL injury or PCL injury.
Ans. ACL or PCL injury may occur while playing sports or during an accident. The only treatment option for ACL injury or PCL injury is surgical reconstruction of ACL or PCL. In this surgical reconstruction, the surgeon removes the injured PCL or ACL, then he/she uses a portion of the ligament from Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) to reconstruct the ACL or PCL.
Ans. The necessary steps that the patient has to take after surgery are:
Ans. After the surgery, the patient will slowly recover in stages. The recovery will usually progress in the following way:
Ans. The patient can start walking 3 to 4 days after ACL reconstruction or PCL reconstruction. In some cases, when the surgeon is confident, he/she may allow the patient to walk on the same day of surgery but with the help of crutches and knee braces.
Ans. If ACL injury or PCL injury is left ignored, then the patient may start to experience instability in the knee. The patient may not be able to walk properly, climb properly or run confidently. The injury may put extra pressure on the knee which may lead to osteoarthritis.
Ans. The patient will be under anesthesia during the surgery, hence the patient will not experience any pain. After the surgery, the patient may have pain for which the doctor may prescribe medicines (which will have painkillers).
Ans. Yes, there are screws involved in ACL or PCL Reconstruction. The surgeon will use screws to hold the ligament in the place. The good thing is that these screws are bio-absorb able which means the body will be able to absorb the screws in a time period of one or two years.
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