Overview: What is ACL Surgery?
Anterior cruciate ligament surgery, also known as ACL surgery, is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures. The surgeon performs ACL surgery to restore knee stability after a ligament tear caused by injuries, sports, accidents, sudden twists, or trauma. Any tear in the ligament may affect mobility and daily activities significantly, compromising your quality of life. Surgery offers long-term relief.
Depending on the type and severity of your condition, the surgeon may use one of the following approaches to perform ACL surgery in Delhi.
- ACL Reconstruction Surgery: It replaces the torn ligament with grafts, namely autograft or allograft.
- ACL Repair Surgery: It repairs the ligament in case of a partial tear.
- Arthroscopic ACL Knee Surgery: It is a minimally invasive surgery performed with the help of a camera to ensure accuracy.
- Robotic ACL Surgery: This kind of ACL surgery offers enhanced precision, faster recovery, and reduced complications.
Benefits of ACL Surgery
- ACL surgery offers improved stability. When the ACL is torn, the knee becomes unstable, and you may experience weakness and instability. This surgery rebuilds the ligament with the help of a graft, thus restoring stability to the knee joint.
- The surgery results in reduced pain and swelling in the long term.
- When performed by an expert surgeon, there is a chance you may recover faster and restore your routine sooner than ever.
- With an ACL repair, there is a reduced risk of future knee injuries. Many patients report stronger and more resilient knees after the procedure.
- If you are a young patient with a torn ACL, this surgery will help prevent your chronic knee problem and improve your quality of life.
The Procedure: How ACL Surgery is Performed
- The surgery starts with administering anaesthesia so you don’t feel pain, discomfort, or anxiety during the procedure. Depending on the severity of your condition, the anaesthesiologist may use general, regional, or local anaesthesia.
- Once the effects of anaesthesia start showing, the surgeon makes a few small incisions around the knee to insert an arthroscope (camera) and specialised instruments.
- With the help of the camera that displays everything on the monitor, the surgeon locates the torn ligament and removes it by drilling small tunnels into the femur and tibia (thighbone and shinbone).
- They use the graft taken from your body or from a donor and thread it through these tunnels to replicate the original ACL.
- Using screws, buttons, and other fixation devices, they fix the graft in place to provide stability. This graft then fuses with the surrounding bone and acts as a natural ligament.
- The incision is later closed with sutures and staples. The surgery takes 1–2 hours to complete.
Before, After, and Recovery
Before
The surgeon carries out your health assessment before the surgery to ensure you are the right candidate. They examine your body physically and run some tests, including blood profile, X-ray, CT scans, and other screenings. If you have any pre-existing health conditions or are on medication, discuss it with them. They may ask you to stop some medicines a few weeks before the surgery.
After
Immediately after the surgery, you will be brought to the care room where the care team will monitor your vitals. Once the effects of anaesthesia subside, you will be given effective pain management medication. The care team may also give you cold therapy or nerve blocks to minimise discomfort. Depending on your condition, you will be discharged on the same day or be made to stay in the hospital for a few more days.
Recovery
The recovery time after ACL surgery in Delhi depends on various factors, including your age, overall health, and consistency with the recovery and rehabilitation programme. It is important to note that recovery after this surgery is a step-by-step process, and each stage plays a vital role in regaining mobility and health stability.
You are expected to follow all the instructions imparted by the surgeon to recover smoothly.
- Week 1: The recovery focuses on pain control, swelling reduction, and initial mobility with walking aids.
- Weeks 2–6: You may begin walking with crutches and perform flexibility exercises.
- Months 3–6: You may return to your light daily activities, such as jogging, walking, and sports-specific training.
- Months 6–12: At this time, you will achieve full recovery with strong joint stability.
Ensure you do not skip follow-up appointments with your surgeon. It will help them track the recovery process and make important adjustments.
Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for ACL Surgery?
Dr. Ashwani Maichand is a trusted name for ACL surgery in Delhi. With over 30 years of extensive experience in advanced techniques, patient-focused care, and a systematic treatment approach, Dr. Maichand brings his deep expertise in treating different kinds of knee injuries and ligament tears. He specialises in minimally invasive procedures, such as ACL reconstruction, which ensures smaller incisions, quicker recovery, and reduced postoperative discomfort. His use of modern techniques enhances healing and eliminates long-term complications associated with traditional methods.
At each point of your treatment, Dr. Maichand ensures seamless care, helping you safely return to an active, pain-free, and confident lifestyle.
FAQs
Ready to restore your knee stability and return to an active lifestyle? Contact Dr. Ashwani Maichand to discuss whether ACL surgery is right for you.
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