ACL Repair can Relieve Pain and Instability

Written By: Sara Loch

Ligaments are tough, elastic connective tissue that connect bone to bone.  Your knee has 4 ligaments, and these can become damaged due to injury.  The most common knee ligament to be injured is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), making ACL repair a common surgical procedure.

The four ligaments of the knee are:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): Located in the center of the knee, this ligament controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shin bone).

• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): Also located in the center of the knee, this ligaments controls backward movement of the tibia.

• Medial collateral ligament (MCL): This is the ligament that gives stability to the inner knee.

• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): Gives stability to the outer knee.

 

Who might need ACL repair Washington DC?

Some symptoms that you have injured a ligament in your knee include: a popping sound in your knee, your leg may buckle, and there can be pain and swelling.  Depending on the severity of your knee ligament injury, ACL reconstruction Washington DC may or may not be necessary.  Alternatives to ACL reconstruction surgery to treat a knee injury can include: rest, ice pack, compression, elevation, and pain relievers.  If the injury is more severe and includes a tear in the ACL or another knee ligament, doctors may try to treat it with muscle-strengthening exercises, a protective knee brace, and activity limitations.

If a knee ligament is completely torn, it can cause pain and instability in the knee and often requires ACL repair Washington DC.  The injury can be diagnosed using:

• X-ray: Uses electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses large magnets to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

• CT scan: Uses x-rays and computer technology to make detailed images of the body.

• Arthroscopy: A small tube with a light and a camera called an arthroscope is inserted into a small incision to evaluate the inside of the joint.

 

In addition to assisting in diagnosis of a knee injury, arthroscopy can sometimes be used in ACL reconstruction surgery DC.  Traditionally, ACL surgery Washington DC is done with a large incision, but the use of an arthroscope requires only small incisions and is minimally invasive. 

You can learn more about ACL surgery Washington DC by visiting:
http://www.medstarwashington.org/our-services/orthopaedics/treatments/acl-repair-reconstruction.