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ACL Reconstruction services offered in Albany, GA
Chronic knee pain resulting from ACL tears can be debilitating, interfering with your personal life and your work life. The surgical specialists at Orthopaedic Associates in Albany, Georgia, offer innovative ACL reconstruction surgeries on-site for your convenience. The skilled surgeons can reconstruct the ligaments of your knee to prevent future pain and disability. Schedule a consultation for ACL reconstruction by using the online booking feature or call the Albany office today.
ACL Reconstruction Q & A
What is the ACL?
Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rests in the center of your knee, connecting your thigh bone to your shin bone.
High-impact sports, auto accidents, and sudden movements can also increase your risk for tearing this ligament, leaving you struggling to walk and in pain.
What are the symptoms of an ACL injury?
Typically, when you tear your ACL you feel a sudden, severe pain in your knee and find it difficult to stand. Within several hours of the injury, your knee begins to swell, potentially worsening your pain.
Other symptoms of an ACL injury include:
- Increased knee instability
- Limited range of motion
- Popping sensation in the knee
If you have these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away to prevent additional injuries and falls.
Will I need surgery for an ACL injury?
Initially, your Orthopaedic Associates physician may recommend plenty of rest and ice therapy to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the knee and give it more stability.
If the ACL is torn and requires surgery, your physician may recommend ACL reconstruction surgery.
What can I expect during ACL reconstruction?
Your Orthopaedic Associates surgeon performs ACL reconstruction surgery on-site. They give you general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
In order to reconstruct your damaged ligament, your surgeon needs to remove tissue from another area of your body or use donor tissue. Using a slender instrument that contains a small camera, your surgeon repairs the damaged ligament while watching a high-definition view of your knee on a monitor.
How long does it take to recover from ACL reconstruction?
As part of your recovery, you need to keep your knee stable — using a brace or bandage — for up to four weeks after surgery. However, it’s also important that you move around to prevent blood clots; you’ll likely need crutches for several weeks after surgery to prevent falls.
Depending on your needs, your Orthopaedic Associates physician may recommend physical therapy within 2-3 weeks after surgery to strengthen your knee and help the healing process.
Because everyone heals differently, your physician can determine how long you’ll need to be off work during your consultation. You may be able to return to a light duty or a desk job sooner than if you perform manual labor.
Schedule a consultation for ACL reconstruction online or by calling the Albany office today.