Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction | Turan & Turan Clinic, Turkey

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction involves removing the torn ligament and replacing it with a tissue graft. A tissue graft is a piece of tissue that allows anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and serves as a framework. A piece of tendon taken from another part of the body can be used, or a donor graft can also be used. Anterior cruciate ligament repair is performed arthroscopically through small incisions around the knee, resulting in less pain and faster recovery. An arthroscope (a small camera) and special tools are inserted through these incisions to visualize and repair the anterior cruciate ligament. The healing time for an anterior cruciate ligament tear depends on the treatment used but is usually 6-9 months. Although there is no set period for athletes with a torn anterior cruciate ligament to return to sports, the ligament's recovery after surgery takes time, so recovery and return to sports can take up to 1 year. Regular physical therapy after anterior cruciate ligament surgery is essential to speed recovery by restoring knee stability and function. Physical therapy and home exercises include bending, straightening, and raising the leg. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is successful in the long term, with an 80%-90% success rate. Surgery has been successful even in patients with severe knee injuries such as cruciate ligament tears and meniscal tears. Our patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament surgery report that their knees have completely normalized and even strengthened afterward. Those who underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery claim that, thanks to physical therapy and adherence to the doctor's recommendations, they gradually recovered, regained leg strength, and, after some time, returned to sports.