ACL Reconstruction Using Hamstring Tendon A Comprehensive Approach by Dr. Vivek Bansal
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common, particularly among athletes and active individuals. An ACL tear can lead to instability in the knee, making it difficult to perform everyday activities and participate in sports. Dr. Vivek Bansal, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and knee injuries, offers advanced ACL reconstruction surgery using the hamstring tendon, providing patients with a path to recovery and a return to their active lifestyles.
Understanding ACL Injuries
The ACL is one of the key ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. It runs diagonally through the middle of the knee, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). An ACL tear can occur due to sudden stops, pivots, or direct impacts, making it a frequent injury in sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing.
Symptoms of an ACL tear include:
- Pain and Swelling: Immediate pain and swelling after the injury.
- Instability: A feeling of the knee “giving way” during movement.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in fully extending or bending the knee.
ACL Reconstruction with Hamstring Tendon
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft. One of the most effective graft options is the hamstring tendon, which offers several advantages, including reduced pain at the donor site and strong, durable tissue for ligament replacement.
Hamstring Tendon Graft: The hamstring muscles are located at the back of the thigh, and their tendons can be harvested and used as the new ACL. This graft is meticulously prepared and anchored within the knee joint, where it eventually integrates with the surrounding bone and tissue.
The Expertise of Dr. Vivek Bansal
Dr. Vivek Bansal is a leader in ACL reconstruction surgery, known for his precision and commitment to patient outcomes. His approach to using the hamstring tendon is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring a successful recovery and return to pre-injury activities. Dr. Bansal employs the latest techniques and technologies, including arthroscopy, to minimize invasiveness and enhance the healing process.
The Surgical Procedure
During ACL reconstruction using the hamstring tendon, Dr. Bansal performs the following steps:
- Graft Harvesting: A small incision is made to harvest the hamstring tendon, which is then prepared to serve as the new ACL.
- Knee Arthroscopy: Using a minimally invasive technique, a camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the knee to visualize the joint and guide the surgery.
- Tunnel Creation: Small tunnels are drilled into the femur and tibia to anchor the hamstring tendon graft in place.
- Graft Fixation: The prepared hamstring tendon is carefully positioned and secured in the tunnels, where it will function as the new ACL.
- Wound Closure: The incisions are closed, and the knee is bandaged.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon involves a structured rehabilitation program. Dr. Bansal and his team provide personalized physical therapy to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and stability in the knee. The initial phase focuses on reducing swelling and restoring range of motion, followed by strength training and eventually, sport-specific exercises.
Most patients can return to light activities within 3 to 6 months, with a full return to sports typically occurring after 9 to 12 months. Adherence to the rehabilitation program is crucial for a successful outcome.
Benefits of Hamstring Tendon Graft
The use of the hamstring tendon in ACL reconstruction offers several benefits:
- Minimized Donor Site Morbidity: Less pain and faster healing at the graft harvest site.
- Strong and Durable: Provides a robust graft with excellent long-term outcomes.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: Lower risk of complications compared to other graft options, such as the patellar tendon.