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ACL surgery
ACL
surgery is usually arthroscopic, which is a less invasive means of surgery.
The word arthroscopic essentially means “joint look”. When knee
arthroscopy is performed, the surgeon makes a small incision (a few millimeters)
and inserts a miniature camera into the knee. The camera is attached to a
light source. A picture of the inside of the knee is then displayed on an
LCD monitor next to the operating table. The surgeon uses this monitor as
his/her “eyes” when performing the surgery.
The
surgeon employs a nifty procedure, using water under pressure to "inflate" the
knee thereby allowing the surgeon a greater ability to maneuver and successfully
complete the surgery. The surgeon will then make another small incision (again,
a few centimeters) allowing him/her to insert medical instruments into the knee
cavity that are used to correct the ACL tear.
The
entire surgery prep and surgery usually is completed within a few hours.
ACL and arthroscopic surgeons
Many
surgeons specialize in ACL surgery. It is usually prudent to ask your surgeon
how many operations he/she has performed on your type of ACL injury and if your
surgeon is not well-versed in the particular type of surgery you need, seek a
more qualified surgeon. Even if you are not an athlete, you should consider a
sports-medicine surgeon. These surgeons generally specialize in ACL surgeries
as ACL injuries are common sports-induced injuries.
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