Key Things to Know about ACL Surgery Washington DC

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are quite common. Around 200,000 such injuries happen each year, 100,000 of which will require surgical intervention. However, not all surgeries are the same.

Traditional and Anatomical ACL Surgery are Not the Same

Traditional ACL surgery Washington DC techniques typically use was is called a bundle graft, and don't worry about putting it where the original ligament was found. However, more recent advances have led to a focus on anatomical ACL surgery that pays attention to matching the insertion site size, notch size, and shape of the individual anatomy.

Not all medical practices may be upfront about this, but anatomical ACL surgery is the new gold standard. If you're doctor isn't familiar with it, you may want to look elsewhere.

Experience Matters When it Comes to ACL Surgery

ACL surgery is a fairly complex procedure, and not all doctors are equally familiar with it. Logic suggests and studies show that doctors who perform procedures with which they are not as familiar tend to make more mistakes. Thus, it will be worth your time to look around for someone who's got a lot of experience and well versed in all the different ways to approach your particular injury.

Not all Grafts are Equal When it Comes to ACL Surgery

Grafts (the taking of ligament tissue to rebuild the ACL) are the most common approach to ACL surgery Washington DC. However, there are both autografts (using tissue from one's own body), and allografts (using tissue from a donor body). In the case of autografts, there are also different options for where tissue is taken from (the tendon around the knee, the hamstring, etc.). There are pluses and minuses to each approach, but the most important part is that you find a doctor who understands all those pros and cons and can help you think it all through and make the best choice for you.

ACL surgery is a big investment in your time and energy, beginning post-injury and ranging sometimes as long as a year post-surgery before you've fully regained mobility. Taking the time you need to make the best possible choices beforehand are definitely time well spent.

What to Expect at Vascular Surgery Hospitals Washington DC

There are many highly rated vascular surgery hospitals Washington DC around the country. However, many people don't even know what vascular surgery means, until it affects them or one of their loved ones directly.

What is a vascular surgeon?

Vascular surgeons are trained to treat diseases related to the vascular system. They are highly trained doctors who have chosen to go through specialized training to take on this particular focus. Your body cannot function without blood flowing throughout your body, and this specialty focuses particularly on the blood vessels that make this happen. The only veins and arteries that a vascular surgeon doesn't manage are found in the brain and the heart. That leaves carotid arteries in the neck, the aorta, and peripheral vascular disease (affecting the arteries in the legs and feet).

One might think that a vascular surgeon spends the majority of his time performing surgery. However surgeons are actually trained to be familiar with all the possible options, and many surgeons report spending the bulk of their time encouraging patients to consider other options like medication or exercise. When surgery is necessary, it's of great comfort to many patients that vascular surgeons are familiar with a variety of procedures. This includes complex, 'open' surgeries, as well as those that are minimally invasive (endovascular) procedures.

When Do You Need Vascular Surgery Hospitals Washington DC?

It is unusual for a patient to self-refer to a vascular surgeon. Instead, that typically happens through a primary care physician, or during an emergency hospital visit. Sometimes, your referral will be because of the discovery of a disease (such as the aforementioned peripheral arterial disease). However, it can also happen simply because you're in a high risk category such as being a smoker, having diabetes, or struggling with chronic high blood pressure.

Vascular surgery hospitals Washington DC are available in most areas, but it is also important to find facilities with experienced doctors and the most up-to-date equipment to ensure that you're being offered the best options with the least risk of negative outcomes. If you have any questions about the skill of the doctor or facility you first visit, you shouldn't hesitate to shop around.