Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are serious knee problems frequently seen among athletes and active individuals. The primary function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is to provide knee stability; therefore, if ACL injuries are left untreated, they can lead to long-term problems such as knee instability, chronic pain, and joint degeneration.

What is Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is a procedure to reconstruct a torn ACL. In this surgery,ACL reconstruction is performed, usually using the patient's own tendons (autograft) or, rarely, tendons taken from a cadaver (allograft).

When Should I See a Doctor After an Injury?

Patients who suspect an anterior cruciate ligament injury should immediately consult  an orthopedic specialist if they experience symptoms such as sudden swelling, pain, a feeling of instability, and limited range of motion in the knee. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly increase treatment success.

When Should Surgery Be Performed After an Injury?

ACL surgery is generally not planned immediately after acute trauma, but rather during the period after the swelling has subsided and knee range of motion has largely been    regained, typically 3-4 weeks later. Surgery performed during this period facilitates postoperative recovery and reduces the risk of complications.

Advantages of Surgical Treatment

• Increased Stability: Restores the knee joint to its former stability.

• Reduces Pain: Can significantly reduce chronic knee pain after injury.

• Return to Active Life: Increases the likelihood of athletes or active individuals returning to their previous physical activities.

• Long-Term Protection: Protects long-term knee health by preventing early degeneration in the joint.

Surgical Treatment Options

Anterior cruciate ligament surgery is usually performed arthroscopically. This method eliminates the need to cut any muscle or tissue, and the procedure is performed with small incisions.

Advantages of Arthroscopic Surgery:

• Muscle or tissues are not damaged during the procedure.

• Hospital stay is very short or usually outpatient.

• The risk of infection is significantly lower.

• Cosmetically, there is no serious scar, small incision marks are minimal.

1. Autograft Use

It is the most preferred method. The patient's own tendons, especially the patellar tendon, hamstring tendons, or quadriceps tendon, can be used.

Advantages:

• Tissue compatibility is excellent.

• The risk of infection and immune reactions is low.

• It has a high success rate.

2. Allograft Use

Cadaver tissue is preferred, an option for those who want to avoid using their own tissue.

Advantages:

• Surgery time may be shorter.

• It can reduce pain and complications associated with harvesting the patient's own tendons.

Negative Consequences of Delaying Treatment

The following negative conditions may occur if treatment is delayed after an anterior cruciate ligament injury:

• Chronic knee instability

• Secondary injuries to structures such as other ligaments and meniscus

• Early joint wear and arthritis

• Chronic pain and limited range of motion

Post-Operative Recovery Process and Return to Normal Life

Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament surgery is critically important. It begins with exercises to improve knee movement in the first few weeks, and strengthening exercises   are added later. Patients begin to return to daily living activities within 6 weeks after surgery.  Full return to sports activities generally occurs between 6-9 months, and following the rehabilitation protocol determined by the doctor and physiotherapist during this period is extremely important.

ACL surgery is an effective and reliable treatment method for anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Considering the advantages of surgical options and the recovery process, choosing the most appropriate method for the patient will increase the chance of success.