Your knees have a complex and one-of-a-kind structure that allows your legs to bend and flex when moving and performing activities. According to WebMD, it is one of the most intricate joints in the body that connects your thigh and shin bones. It also holds the patella or kneecap, which allows your leg to extend and move while protecting the knee joint. But despite the impressive structure and functions of the knee, it is still prone to experiencing issues like the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL injury.

The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a tissue that binds the femur and tibia—also known as your thigh and shin bones. This ligament is right in the middle of your knee and keeps your leg bones from sliding out of place while providing rotational stability. According to OrthoInfo, the ACL is a vital part of the cruciate ligament family that handles the back-and-forth movements of your knee. But what happens to your ACL if it encounters an injury requiring attention from a Singapore specialist?

An ACL injury occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament tears or gets sprained due to movements or activities involving sudden movements such as stops and changes in direction. If you abruptly pivoted, slowed down, landed clumsily or stiffly on your feet, or hit your knee on a hard surface or through a collision, the ligament may stretch, get sprained, or get torn partially or fully.

If you have an ACL injury, you will notice a few symptoms indicating your need to see a health expert. Like experiencing a meniscus tear in Singapore, you will feel or even hear a popping sensation if your ACL stretches or tears. You will also notice a sharp pain in your knee followed by swelling, instability, limited movement and flexibility. If you suspect you are troubled with an ACL injury, do not stop yourself from seeing a medical expert as soon as possible to get your knees checked and treated.

Thanks to modern medical innovations, you now have different treatment options to resolve your ACL injury. If your condition is not at a severe stage, your doctor may send you home and ask you to perform RICE or rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce pain and inflammation. You should avoid strenuous activities, wrap your knee in bandages, and ice it while propping it up on a few pillows. Your specialist may also ask you to undergo physical therapy to rehabilitate your knee and help it regain strength, movement, and stability.

But if multiple knee ligaments got torn because of your injury, your doctor may ask you to undergo ACL surgery in Singapore. They may also recommend the procedure if you notice that your knees buckle daily or if you are an athlete who does not want to give up your passion for physical activities involving jumping or pivoting.

What Happens During And After ACL Surgery

If your doctor recommends ACL surgery to address your injury, it is natural to feel nervous and anxious about undergoing such an invasive procedure. After all, no one likes to think about having one of their body parts sliced, sewn, or manoeuvred.

Thankfully, learning what happens during and after your ACL surgery in Singapore can ease your worries and concerns about the operation. It will also help you prepare your mind and body for the treatment and set expectations about its results. Scroll through to learn what can happen during and after your ACL injury surgery.

A. Your Doctor Will Brief You And Perform Tests On You

On the day of your ACL surgery at your chosen Singapore medical facility, a healthcare provider will ask you to sign a surgery consent form, change into a hospital gown, and ask you to wait for a doctor who will tell you about the details of the procedure. Hours before the operation, you may also meet the team of experts performing the ACL surgery.

While you stay inside the pre-operative room, a nurse will check and record your blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, and temperature to ensure you are clear for your ACL injury surgery. Your doctor may also ask for a new x-ray or MRI scan to guide them during the operation.

B. You Will Be Asleep During The Most Part Of The Procedure

Believe it or not, you will not feel anything during your ACL surgery. Like undergoing an operation for hip dysplasia in Singapore, your doctors will use an appropriate dose of anaesthesia to numb your sensations and put you to sleep during the procedure. By administering this medication, you will remain calm and experience minimal discomfort throughout the surgery.

C. You Will Feel Tired And Struggle To Move Around

Medical procedures can take a toll on your body. Whether you undergo ACL surgery or shoulder SLAP tear operation, you will feel exhausted after the treatment. Your muscles may even feel sore once the anaesthesia wears out.

To ensure your recovery from your ACL surgery in Singapore, your specialist will ask you to avoid activities that may put pressure on your affected knee. For at least one or two weeks, you may also need to use a brace and crutches to get around your home. Moreover, you will need to stay off athletic activities and sports games for 12 weeks or more to prevent complications and guarantee your treatment’s effectiveness.

Is ACL Surgery The Right Treatment For You?

Your knees are crucial parts of your limbs that help you move and perform your daily duties and responsibilities. They also keep you stable and prevent you from going out of balance while walking or standing. But like other human body components, they are prone to facing health concerns affecting their functionality and appearance. They may encounter osteoarthritis that may require knee therapy in Singapore or an ACL injury that needs surgery.

Is ACL surgery the best treatment for your injury? Find out by talking to an expert at Advanced Orthopaedic and Sports Centre! Visit their website below to learn more about their expertise in treating and preventing knee conditions like ACL injuries.