What is ACL Surgery?

Summary

The ACL, a crucial ligament in the knee joint, is vital for stability during sports. Injuries can lead to instability and may require surgery, especially for young athletes. Children's Hospital Colorado specializes in ACL repair, using advanced techniques to protect growth plates while re-stabilizing the knee. Post-surgery rehab is essential for safe return to sports.

Takeaways

• 🦴 The ACL is one of two crucial ligaments in the knee, alongside the PCL, providing stability.
• 🏃‍♂️ The ACL is vital for sports activities that involve changing direction quickly.
• 🤕 An injury to the ACL can result in the tibia moving too freely, destabilizing the knee.
• 👩‍⚕️ Experts at the Sports Medicine Center at Children's Hospital Colorado can assess ACL injuries through physical exams and imaging.
• 🔍 Imaging techniques like X-ray and MRI are used to determine the extent of ACL damage.
• 🏥 Children's Hospital Colorado specializes in ACL repair surgery that considers the growth plates in young patients.
• 🔨 During surgery, a new ACL is often created from tissue near the quadriceps and kneecap.
• 🛠️ The new ACL is secured in place with tunnels drilled carefully to avoid growth plates.
• 💪 Post-surgery rehabilitation is essential to safely return to sports and reduce the risk of re-injury.
• 🌐 More information about the Sports Medicine Center at Children's Hospital Colorado can be found on their website.

Q & A

What is the function of the ACL in the knee joint?

The ACL, or Anterior Cruciate Ligament, helps stabilize the knee by connecting the femur and tibia, and it plays a crucial role in activities that require changing direction.

What is the PCL and its relationship with the ACL?

The PCL, or Posterior Cruciate Ligament, works together with the ACL to stabilize the knee joint. The ACL travels from the back to the front, while the PCL runs from the front to the back.

What happens if the ACL is sprained or torn?

If the ACL is sprained or torn, the tibia can move forward freely, leading to a less stable knee.

How do medical professionals confirm the degree of an ACL injury?

Medical professionals at the Sports Medicine Center at Children's Hospital Colorado perform a physical exam and use imaging techniques like X-ray and MRI to confirm the degree of ACL injury.

Why is ACL repair particularly important for children and young athletes?

ACL repair is important for children and young athletes because it protects the growth plates around the knee, which determine the future length and shape of the bone.

What surgical techniques does Children's Hospital Colorado specialize in for ACL repair?

Children's Hospital Colorado specializes in surgical techniques that repair the ACL while protecting the growth plates around the knee.

What is the source of the new ACL during surgery?

The new ACL can be created from various tissues around the knee, with a preference for tissue connecting the quadriceps and kneecap.

How are tunnels drilled in the bone during ACL surgery to avoid growth plates?

Tunnels are carefully drilled in the bone during ACL surgery to avoid the growth plates, ensuring the protection of these critical areas for bone development.

What is the purpose of placing the new ACL in tunnels and anchoring it within the knee?

The new ACL is placed in tunnels and anchored within the knee to secure the tibia and re-stabilize the knee joint.

Why is post-surgery rehab important after an ACL repair?

Post-surgery rehab is important to safely return to sports and reduce the chances of a retear by strengthening the knee and improving its stability.

Where can one find more information about the Sports Medicine Center at Children's Hospital Colorado?

More information about the Sports Medicine Center at Children's Hospital Colorado can be found on their website.