Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that involves repairing or replacing a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a key ligament that stabilizes the knee joint. This procedure is commonly performed to treat ACL injuries, which can occur due to sudden twisting or pivoting motions of the knee.

Indications for Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is typically recommended for individuals with:

  1. Complete ACL tear: A complete ACL tear, where the ligament is completely torn, can significantly compromise the stability of the knee joint, making it prone to recurrent instability and potential cartilage damage.

  2. Partial ACL tear with instability: In some cases, a partial ACL tear may lead to persistent knee instability, particularly during activities that involve pivoting or twisting motions.

  3. High-demand individuals: Individuals who participate in high-impact activities or sports that require a stable knee joint, such as athletes, dancers, or those involved in recreational sports, may benefit from ACL reconstruction to prevent further injury and allow continued participation in their chosen activities.

Procedure Overview

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction involves making small incisions around the knee joint and using a camera and specialized surgical instruments to visualize and repair or replace the torn ACL. The procedure typically involves the following steps:

  1. Arthroscopy: The surgeon inserts a small camera into the knee joint to visualize the internal structures.

  2. Graft preparation: A graft, either from the patient’s own tissue or a donor source, is prepared to serve as a replacement for the torn ACL.

  3. ACL graft placement: The graft is positioned and secured to the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) using tunnels drilled into the bones.

  4. Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures or staples.

Types of Grafts

There are two main types of grafts used in ACL reconstruction:

  1. Autograft: An autograft utilizes tissue from the patient’s own body, typically from the hamstring tendons or patellar tendon. Autografts offer the advantage of reduced risk of rejection and better incorporation into the body’s tissues.

  2. Allograft: An allograft uses tissue from a donor, typically a cadaver. Allografts are readily available and eliminate the need for harvesting tissue from the patient’s own body, but they carry a slightly higher risk of rejection.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, patients typically undergo a structured rehabilitation program to regain strength, range of motion, and stability in the knee joint. The recovery process varies depending on the individual and the severity of the injury, but it usually takes several months before full recovery is achieved.

Risks and Complications

While arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is a generally safe and effective procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with the surgery, such as:

  1. Infection: The risk of infection is relatively low but can have serious consequences.

  2. Graft rupture or loosening: The graft may rupture or loosen over time, requiring revision surgery.

  3. Stiffness: The knee joint may become stiff after surgery, requiring extensive physical therapy to regain range of motion.

  4. Nerve damage: Nerve damage can occur during the surgery, but the risk is low.

  5. Persistent pain: In some cases, individuals may experience persistent pain or discomfort after surgery.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is a widely recognized and effective treatment for torn ACLs, offering significant benefits in restoring knee stability, improving function, and enhancing quality of life for individuals with this injury. With careful patient selection, proper surgical technique, and comprehensive rehabilitation, ACL reconstruction can provide long-term relief and restore stability to the knee joint.

Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction Package en

Package Price 180,000 THB 

Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction Package

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries or other related knee ligament is a minimally invasive surgery done under general anesthesia by our sports medicine orthopedic surgeon. The length of stay in the hospital is 3 days 2 nights.
The package includes all expenses of hospital service fees, doctor fees, rehabilitation fees during admission, and medical equipment charges.
***The specified price is for both Thai patients and foreign patients

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