Revision ACL Reconstruction Surgery
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common torn ligaments in the knee. It can occur mostly in the athletic population due to sudden stops, knee rotation, running, jumping, and so on.
A revision ACL reconstruction surgery is a second surgery performed to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Moreover, ACL revision surgery is a more complex procedure for orthopedic surgeons. The best orthopedic surgeons in India perform the revision ACL reconstruction surgery with high proficiency and better results.
Fresh or primary ACL reconstruction is performed with skills and techniques. However, in revision surgery, it takes more effort and different factors need to be considered for better results.
Challenges and Considerations in Revision ACL Reconstruction
The torn ACL can occur suddenly due to twisting of the knee, which leads to immediate pain and swelling.
ACL reconstruction surgery has a success rate of even 80-90%. However, failure of ACL reconstruction surgery is unexpected and difficult to identify the reason for failure. But the patient may experience knee instability, stiffness, pain, or an inability to perform desired activities.
Revision ACL reconstruction surgery in India is a treatment for failed ACL repair, so it becomes more complex and challenging. Additionally, sometimes the results are not as satisfying as in primary ACL reconstruction.
Therefore, it is more important to diagnose the cause of failure of ACL reconstruction surgery. A better evaluation is required, along with proper diagnosis and consideration of better treatment factors.
Reason of failed ACL reconstruction
Here some common reasons a person need a revision ACL reconstruction surgery include:
- Reinjury of the ACL
- Issues with previous ACL surgery
- Failure of the reconstructed ligament if not healed completely
Tendon Options and Risk Reduction in ACL Revision Surgery
There are various options for revision ACL reconstruction surgery, such as using the patient’s own tendons. The quadriceps tendon, patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or allograft tissue may be used. Additionally, using the patient’s own tendon from the other knee is also one of the options in revision ACL reconstruction surgery.
To reduce the risk of reinjury, a lateral extra-articular tenodesis is performed at the time of ACL revision reconstruction. This procedure is different from others, as it involves taking a strip of the iliotibial band and passing it deep to the proximal fibular collateral ligament to attach it to the distal femur. Moreover, this serves as a supporting procedure to the graft, which helps decrease the risk of reinjury.
Preventing ACL Revision Surgery
There are various exercises that help in preventing the need for revision ACL reconstruction surgery.
- These exercises are beneficial in increasing strength and balance.
- Another alternative option to avoid a second surgery is to refrain from cutting and pivoting sports.
- Instead opting for other athletic activities that reduce the risk of ACL injury.
- Activities such as swimming, cycling, jogging, weight training, and more have a lower risk of causing ACL injury.
Key Questions for Your Surgeon About ACL Reconstruction
Here are some important questions that patients may ask the orthopedic surgeons related to ACL reconstruction surgery.
- Why did the primary operation fail?
- What are the consequences if I don't have revision surgery?
- What will recovery be like?
- How much time will the recovery take after operation?
- How can I prevent ACL from reinjury?
- What are the risks of second surgery?
Cost of revision ACL reconstruction surgery in India
Cost of revision ACL reconstruction surgery in India is reasonable and cheaper than other nations. Sometimes recovery takes a longer time than usual for revision ACL reconstruction. With supervision of top orthopedic surgeons in India carefully planning many patients including international, they have met with excellent results and return to very strenuous activities without knee instability. Total cost of the treatment might differ based upon several factors. That includes choice of hospital, experience of the surgeon, type of graft placing, type of surgery and more. But in India the total cost of the treatment is much lesser than other western countries.
Summary
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common torn ligaments in the knee.
A revision ACL reconstruction surgery is a second surgery performed to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
The torn ACL can occur suddenly due to twisting of the knee, which leads to immediate pain and swelling. Sometimes recovery takes a longer time than usual for revision ACL reconstruction.
