Details About the Cost of Arthroscopic ACL Surgery and Its Main Alternatives

Cost of Arthroscopic ACL Surgery, Arthroscopic ACL surgery is one of the latest techniques used in performing the operation, relying on modern methods. In this article, we will cover all the information related to this surgery, the postoperative instructions, and the appropriate sleeping position that the patient should follow after the surgery. So, stay tuned for all the latest updates regarding this matter.

Cost of Arthroscopic ACL Surgery

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The cost of arthroscopic ACL surgery ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 Egyptian pounds, and there is a significant difference in the amount due to the direct impact of certain factors, which include:

• The doctor’s years of experience, skill, and proficiency in performing surgeries.
• The cost of the assisting medical team.
• The cost of anesthesia and tools used in the surgical procedure.
• The level of the hospital where the patient undergoes the surgery and the quality of healthcare provided.
• The technique used for the surgery.

Reasons for Undergoing Arthroscopic ACL Surgery?

The purpose of ACL surgery is to repair or replace the torn ACL with a healthy one. Arthroscopic ACL surgery is resorted to in the following cases:

• In case of a torn knee cartilage.
• When the patient is unable to perform daily activities normally due to symptoms.
• If the patient is an athlete wanting to resume their activity.
• When there is a tear in more than one ligament in the knee joint.
• When the patient feels discomfort during movement and loses control of the knee joint in this situation.
• Cases that have not improved after resting and undergoing physical therapy sessions.

The doctor diagnoses the patient’s condition using X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging. These tests help determine the extent of damage to the ACL and surrounding tissues and assess its impact on the patient’s daily life.

Is It Possible to Treat ACL Without Surgery?

Yes, it is possible to treat an ACL injury using one of the following methods that work to alleviate pain and symptoms experienced by the patient:

• The patient should apply ice packs to the knee to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
• Elevate the injured leg above the body level.
• The patient must ensure complete rest and avoid engaging in vigorous activities and sports, especially football.
• It is essential to undergo a rehabilitation program under the supervision of a physical therapy specialist.
• The injured knee joint should be wrapped with an elastic bandage to help stabilize the joint.

Before Undergoing Arthroscopic ACL Surgery

Before the patient undergoes arthroscopic ACL surgery, their condition will be precisely diagnosed, and they will undergo some diagnostic tests and set a date for the surgery. They will be referred to the physical therapy department to do some exercises that help reduce the swelling and stiffness of the knee, to ensure good results after the surgery.

The doctor advises the patient to rest completely and avoid any vigorous activity or sudden movements before the surgery to prevent increasing the degree of the ACL tear or damaging the healthy ligaments. Additionally, it’s important to inform the doctor about any medications the patient is taking. The doctor will advise the patient on which medications to stop taking before the surgical procedure, such as anticoagulants, to avoid the risk of bleeding. The patient must also abstain from eating and drinking the night before the surgery.

What Happens During Arthroscopic ACL Surgery?

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Undoubtedly, the implementation of arthroscopic ACL surgery has significantly impacted the success rate of the procedure, ensuring optimal performance and aiding faster patient recovery, while also avoiding potential complications associated with traditional surgery.

The arthroscopic ACL surgery aims to repair or replace the damaged ACL to stabilize the knee joint and address the damage, as well as to reduce the pressure on the tissues and cartilages. This is done by following one of the two methods: repairing the torn ligament, or replacing the ligament with another one by adhering to the following steps:

• The anesthesiologist administers either general or local anesthesia to the patient.
• Then, the orthopedic surgeon makes small surgical incisions around the knee joint to insert the arthroscopic camera, which is used to examine the internal condition of the ACL.
• In the case of ACL repair, the surgeon connects the ligament to the bones, rebuilding and repairing it.
• In the case of ACL replacement, the surgeon removes the torn ligament and replaces it with another one from the patient’s thigh or obtained from another donor. The surgeon then attaches it to the bones and stabilizes the knee joint.

Postoperative Instructions for ACL Surgery

Dr. Amr Amal, a consultant in orthopedic and joint surgery, offers some advice and instructions that must be followed after ACL surgery for rapid recovery and healing, including:

• The patient should carefully elevate the leg, maintaining it at least at a 45-degree angle, and support the leg on pillows during the first 3 to 5 days post-surgery.
• Keep the leg elevated and avoid placing pillows behind the knee if knee swelling is noticed.
• It is crucial to take painkillers that help the patient alleviate the pain, including acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen.
• The patient who underwent ACL surgery should consume a healthy, balanced diet to speed up the healing process. This includes lean proteins, fresh vegetables, leafy greens, and minimizing caffeine, alcohol, and soft drinks as much as possible.
• The patient must keep the wound clean and dry after the surgery and use sterile dressings. Avoid running or swimming for at least five months.
• It is important for the patient to get ample sleep, ensuring at least eight hours of good sleep, and engage in exercises that help clear the mind and stimulate relaxation and sleep.

How Long Does Arthroscopic ACL Surgery Take?

Arthroscopic ACL surgery typically takes about an hour, but this duration can increase or decrease depending on the condition of the ACL and the medical intervention required, as well as the patient’s overall health. Take a step towards quick recovery and return to your normal life with the expert team led by Dr. Amr Amal.

When Can I Walk After ACL Surgery?

A person who undergoes ACL surgery naturally wonders when they can walk after the procedure. Typically, a patient can walk without assistance two to four weeks after the surgery. Over time, they can walk faster and perform some exercises, but full recovery usually takes 6 to 12 months post-surgery, in addition to following up with physical therapy sessions.

How Many Physical Therapy Sessions Are Needed After ACL Surgery?

After undergoing ACL surgery, the knee is initially immobilized in a straight position at a zero-degree angle using a special bandage or brace. It’s best for the patient to immediately start physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions with a specialist. The patient may begin physical therapy sessions two weeks after the surgical procedure, requiring 15 to 20 sessions, each lasting one to one and a half hours. This stage depends on restoring the knee’s full range of motion, aiming for 110 degrees for bending and the maximum possible extension of 10 degrees beyond full straightening.

Physical therapy sessions focus on strengthening muscles and gradually loading the knee, followed by a longer rehabilitation period, which in some cases may continue for years.

Is Tearing the ACL Dangerous?

If an ACL tear is treated immediately, it does not pose a problem, and the knee joint will regain its movement and flexibility, functioning normally. However, if an ACL tear is neglected and left untreated, over time, the knee joint may suffer damage and deterioration. The joint surfaces and meniscal cartilages may experience excessive stress, leading to wear and tear, and subsequently, inflammation in the knee joint due to cartilage degradation may occur.

The damage from tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) includes developing osteoarthritis in the knee and, sometimes, arthritis. Meanwhile, the damage from tearing the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) includes long-term pain and instability, knee arthritis, and damage to other knee structures such as cartilages and other ligaments.

Can a Football Player Return After an ACL Tear?

Yes, but it requires patience and considerable effort. Many football players suffer the most common injury of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Depending on the severity of the injury, the patient may need surgery, followed by a rest period ranging from 6 to 9 months, depending on the extent of the tear, the player’s age, and their muscular build.

Typically, a player undergoes surgery several weeks after the injury to ensure that symptoms like swelling have subsided. In some cases, the surgery may be performed earlier, depending on the doctor’s assessment of the condition and overall situation.

When Can I Drive After ACL Surgery?

A patient is not fully ready to drive after undergoing ACL surgery until 6 weeks have passed. However, if the surgery was on the left foot, one can drive an automatic car after 3 weeks. Typically, if the injured person can stand on one leg for a minute, they are then fit to drive.

When Does the ACL Heal After Surgery?

In most cases, a patient can walk on their leg the day after ACL surgery with the help of crutches and a knee brace. Healing typically occurs about two months after the surgical procedure. However, to return to intense sports activities such as football, the patient should wait between 6 to 9 months for the muscles to regain their strength and flexibility.

Is an ACL Tear Considered a Disability?

An ACL tear is not considered a disability, as it is a common injury that can be controlled in mild cases with conservative treatment, medication, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgical intervention is the last resort to achieve complete recovery and enable the patient to resume normal life activities.

Is ACL Surgery Easy?

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ACL surgery does not take a lot of time but is considered a precise operation that requires a long recovery period for the patient to fully regain normal movement capabilities. With the advancements we now see, performing the surgery using arthroscopy has become an easier and simpler step, away from traditional surgery.

What is the Proper Sleeping Position After ACL Surgery?

One important aspect that patients who have undergone ACL surgery need to be aware of is the proper sleeping position. The patient should sleep with their knee elevated without bending it. It’s also possible to place a pillow under the leg to elevate it as much as possible, especially in the first few days after surgery. The patient may also use a brace and crutches even for moving around the house during daily activities.

 How Long is the Recovery Period After ACL Surgery?

A patient who has undergone arthroscopic ACL surgery may begin to move gradually within two to four weeks post-surgery. Once the doctor observes that the patient’s wounds have healed, they will be directed to physical therapy sessions to expedite recovery and complete healing. Additionally, the patient will be able to return to their normal life and resume sporting activities within 9 to 12 months after the surgery.

It’s important to consider that complete recovery from ACL surgery requires time, patience, and effort, but the results are rewarding as they improve the quality of life for the patient. If you would like to learn more about ACL surgery, its outcomes, and the recovery and healing period, we recommend reading the following article.

Alternatives to Arthroscopic ACL Surgery

There are some alternatives to surgical or arthroscopic intervention in cases of ACL tears or ruptures, which include:

Medication: The doctor may prescribe antibiotics in mild cases to alleviate pain and swelling. In severe cases, knee injections with steroid medication are recommended to relieve pain, or hyaluronic injections which are effective in alleviating symptoms and pain. Conservative Treatment: This is beneficial in mild injuries and involves applying cold compresses or ice packs to the knee to reduce swelling and pain, avoiding standing for long periods, wearing a medical brace to stabilize the joint, getting adequate rest to reduce pressure on the knee joint, extending the knee while sitting and not bending it, and elevating the leg above body level while sitting. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is an important step for treatment and improving the patient’s condition, but it should be conducted under the supervision of a physical therapy specialist. The patient engages in exercises that strengthen leg muscles and reduce pain and swelling.

And be sure that you need a distinguished specialist in treating ACL and various bone diseases, which we recommend through reading the following article