Faster Recovery, Better Results: Exploring ACL Primary Repair With The Internal Brace - Dr Prince Gupta

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments in the human knee joint. It is a thick band of tissue located deep within the knee joint and runs diagonally from the back of the femur (thighbone) to the front of the tibia (shinbone). ACL injuries are frequent in sports and can also happen in some physical activities as a result of trauma or accidents. 

Depending on the extent of the damage, an ACL tear can range from a partial tear to a total rupture and can result in knee instability, discomfort, and a restricted range of motion. ACL reconstruction, which includes replacing the injured ligament with a graft from another tendon or ligament, has typically been used to treat significant injuries.

Advancements in orthopaedic surgery have led to the creation of an alternative approach known as "ACL primary repair using the internal brace." This approach has generated a lot of interest and shown encouraging outcomes in the management of several subtypes of ACL rupture. With this cutting-edge procedure, the torn ACL is repaired with stitches rather than being surgically removed. It is then strengthened with a sturdy synthetic tape, or "internal brace." The internal brace serves as a scaffold, giving the repaired ligament immediate support and promoting quicker recovery.

The arthroscopic examination of the knee joint to determine the degree of the ACL tear and the overall health of the knee is the first step in the procedure. To access the torn ligament, tiny incisions are made depending on whether the rupture can be repaired in its entirety. The torn ends of the ACL are then stitched back together to aid in healing. 

The internal brace, which is often comprised of high-strength, bioabsorbable material, is then threaded through tiny bone tunnels to reinforce the repaired ligament and avoid putting it under too much strain during the critical first healing phase. The incisions are closed, and the patient is gradually brought out of anaesthesia. Postoperative rehabilitation, including physical therapy, plays a critical role in the recovery process.

The procedure is generally most effective for ACL tears that involve only a portion of the ligament, particularly tears from the femoral insertion or tibial spine avulsion, which may be more amenable to repair using the internal brace. The success of ACL primary repair depends on the quality of the remaining ligament tissue. 

Young, active individuals with relatively healthy ACL tissue may be better candidates for this procedure A prompt diagnosis and early intervention are essential for successful ACL primary repair. Delayed treatment may lead to a worsening of the tear or affect tissue quality, making reconstruction a more viable option.

Benefits:

1. The potential for a quicker recovery than with conventional ACL restoration is one of the main advantages. Patients may notice increased knee stability early in the therapy process since the internal brace offers instant assistance.
2. Removing tissue from another part of the body was necessary for traditional ACL restoration, which can cause discomfort and other complications at the graft site. These problems are reduced by the internal brace approach.
3. By mending the torn ACL rather than having it replaced, the patient keeps their natural ligament, thereby lowering the chance of graft failure and other difficulties related to graft harvesting.

ACL primary repair using the internal brace represents an intriguing development and advancement in the field of knee ligament surgery. It speeds up recovery, protects the natural ligament, and lowers the risk of problems from grafts. This surgery has the potential to become a common choice for a particular subset of ACL tear patients as technology and research advance, enhancing their quality of life and regaining knee function is of the utmost priority. 

The approach using the internal brace is an innovative alternative for certain types of ACL injuries however, the appropriate treatment depends on the extent and nature of the injury as well as the individual's lifestyle and activity level; patients should speak with a skilled orthopaedic surgeon before making any medical decisions to decide the best course of action for their problem.

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