Dr Daniel Meyerkort, Perth Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre
Acute Injury Clinic Every Friday – Priority MRI available – Book Now
Patients in Joondalup and surrounding areas who have suffered an ACL injury can receive expert care and treatment from Dr. Daniel Meyerkort, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in knee and sports injuries. Dr. Meyerkort is a member of the team at Perth Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine (POSM), a leading orthopaedic clinic in Western Australia. With his extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Meyerkort has successfully treated many patients with ACL injuries, using advanced surgical techniques and personalized rehabilitation programs. If you are in need of ACL injury treatment or have any knee or sports-related injuries, contact POSM to schedule an appointment with Dr. Meyerkort and his team of experts.
ACL Injury: Understanding the Injury, Surgery, and Rehabilitation
An ACL injury is a common sports injury that can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of tissue that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, and it plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee joint.
ACL tears or ruptures occur when the ligament is overstretched or torn, typically during sports activities that involve sudden stops, pivots, or changes in direction. Athletes involved in soccer, basketball, football, and skiing are at a higher risk of ACL injuries.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
If you have an ACL injury, your doctor may recommend ACL reconstruction surgery. This surgical procedure involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft taken from your own body or a donor. The most common types of grafts are the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, and cadaveric grafts.
ACL reconstruction surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and it may take several months to fully recover from the surgery. Rehabilitation after surgery is critical to restoring normal knee function and preventing future injuries.
Rehabilitation after ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction surgery typically involves several stages of physical therapy. Initially, you may need to wear a knee brace to protect the joint and help reduce swelling. You may also need to use crutches to avoid putting weight on the affected knee.
As your knee heals, your physical therapist will design a rehabilitation program that includes exercises to improve knee mobility, strength, and stability. You may start with gentle range-of-motion exercises and gradually progress to more challenging exercises such as squats, lunges, and balance training.
Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction surgery typically takes 6 to 9 months, but it may take longer for athletes to return to their sports activities. Your physical therapist will monitor your progress and adjust your rehabilitation program accordingly.
In conclusion, an ACL injury can be a serious and debilitating injury, but with proper treatment and rehabilitation, most patients can return to their normal activities. If you suspect that you have an ACL injury, seek medical attention immediately to prevent further damage to your knee. With ACL reconstruction surgery and a structured rehabilitation program, you can get back to doing what you love.