The Benefits of ACL Reconstruction: Why It’s Worth It

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee. While non-surgical treatments may work for some patients, others may require ACL reconstruction surgery to regain full function of their knee. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a torn ACL, you might be wondering if ACL reconstruction is really necessary. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of ACL reconstruction and why it’s worth it.

1. Improved Stability
One of the biggest benefits of ACL reconstruction is improved stability. When your ACL is torn, your knee becomes unstable and you may experience instability or weakness. ACL reconstruction surgery rebuilds the ligament using a graft, which restores stability to the knee joint. This can help prevent future injuries and improve your overall mobility.

2. Reduced Pain and Swelling
Many patients experience pain and swelling after ACL surgery, but this is typically temporary. In the long-term, ACL reconstruction can actually reduce pain and swelling in the knee. By restoring stability and function to the joint, you may experience less strain on surrounding muscles and less inflammation over time.

3. Faster Return to Sport and Activities
If you’re an athlete or someone who enjoys being active, ACL reconstruction surgery can help you get back to your favorite activities faster. While the recovery period can take several months, once you have fully healed, you’ll be able to resume activities that you were not able to do with a torn ACL. This can also help boost your confidence and mental wellbeing.

4. Reduced Risk of Future Knee Injuries
If you choose not to undergo ACL reconstruction, your knee will remain unstable and you’ll be at a higher risk of sustaining another ACL injury in the future. ACL reconstruction can mitigate this risk, making it far less likely that you’ll experience a repeat injury. In fact, many patients find that they’re actually stronger and more resilient after ACL reconstruction than they were before.

5. Preventing Chronic Knee Problems
If you’re a younger patient, living with a torn ACL can lead to chronic knee problems down the road. Over time, cartilage in the knee joint can become worn, leading to more serious injuries and chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. By undergoing ACL reconstruction, you can prevent these chronic issues from developing and maintain full function of your knee as you age.

In summary, ACL reconstruction surgery offers a range of benefits to patients who have suffered an ACL injury. From improved stability to faster return to sport and reduced risk of future knee injuries, the surgery can help you regain full function of your knee and safeguard your long-term health. If you’re considering ACL reconstruction surgery or would like to learn more about your options, consult with your orthopedic surgeon today.

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POSMC is a full-service medical facility specializing in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries. The practice is led by a group of 12 board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Contact us today!