Capital City Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

ACL Surgery in Atlanta

ACL Surgery in Atlanta, GA The ACL is the most frequently injured ligament, and one of the most common sports injuries affecting athletes. ACL injuries typically occur when a foot is planted while trying to pivot, or when landing awkwardly from a jump. While the majority of ACL tears are non-contact related, a traumatic blow to the knee can also injure the ligament and cause it to snap. These injuries can be treated both conservatively or surgically, depending on the unique case of the patient and his or her demands.

Dr. Fowler is a sports medicine specialist in Atlanta, GA, and works to put athletes back on the playing field as safely and quickly as possible. A believer in conservative and alternative methods of care, Dr. Fowler will only suggest surgery if it is indicated by the patient’s unique case. Capital City Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine is equipped to handle immediate and chronic problems, and welcomes patients with injuries related to sports activities, such as ACL tears.

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Anatomy of the Knee

The knee is a hinge joint, formed by the intersection of three bones: the tibia (shinbone), the femur (thighbone), and the patella (kneecap). The tibia and the femur join to form the basis of the knee joint, with the patella attaching to the front of the joint for protection. For additional protection and shock absorption, two small jelly-like pieces of cartilage, known as the menisci, rest between the tibia and the femur. As weight applies pressure to the knee joint, the menisci keep the bones safe from damage due to friction.

Attached to the knee are four ligaments that provide stability and support for the knee joint. Two ligaments attach to the sides of the knee, known as the lateral ligaments, and help maintain proper range of motion by reducing lateral motion. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), located at the back of the knee, limits backward motion of the joint. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), sits in front of the PCL and limits forward motion of the joint.

An injury to any of these components will cause severe pain and a loss of joint function. If left untreated, a knee injury can lead to arthritis later in life. Prior to diagnosing a knee injury, it is best to consult an orthopaedic surgeon such as Dr. Fowler.

Symptoms of an ACL Tear

ACL injuries are characterized by pain, joint swelling, and immobility. When the ACL tears, a blood vessel inside the ligament bursts and fills the joint with blood, causing swelling and tenderness in the knee. The swelling and tenderness make reticulation of the joint difficult and intensely painful.

Oftentimes, athletes sustaining an ACL tear can pinpoint the instance of injury. Sufferers will often report a 'popping' sound at the time of injury, coupled with a sensation that the knee has given out from underneath them.

ACL Tear Treatment: Conservative Approaches

ACL injuries can be treated both surgically and non-surgically. In many cases, ACL injuries can be successfully remedied through RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) of the joint above the heart) and NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) treatment.

Dr. Fowler is an advocate of these conservative treatment options, including physical therapy and tai chi and Pilates. These exercises are often used to rehabilitate a patient's muscles to support a weak joint, and also to prevent future injuries from occurring.

While conservative approaches allow the ligament to heal on its own, the rehabilitation period can last for months, sidelining athletes who need to get back on the playing field as quickly as possible. In these cases, the patient may prefer to treat the ACL tear arthroscopically, which can shorten the post-operative recovery period significantly.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

When surgery is indicated, Dr. Fowler prefers knee arthroscopy to reconstruct the torn ACL, as it may allow patients to return to previous levels of activity much more quickly than with open surgery or through conservative treatment. Knee arthroscopy utilizes fiber-optic technology to reduce the size of incision, cutting down on post-operative recovery time, blood loss during surgery, and scarring.

During a knee arthroscopy surgery to repair a torn ACL, the surgeon will make a small incision on the knee. Through this incision, the surgeon will insert a small camera, known as an "arthroscope", that sends real-time imaging to a monitor in the operating room. The arthroscope allows the surgeon to see inside of the joint without making a large incision, affording for numerous benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Potential benefits of knee arthroscopy for ACL reconstruction include:

Shortened Post-Operative Recovery Time
Less Blood Loss During Surgery
Minimized Scarring
Surgery Performed on an Autpatient Basis