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Introduction
This article will discuss surgical methods that are performed to help reconstruct the ACL. Moreover, a strong case is made for the use of a knee brace to help support and protect the knee.
1.) Surgical Approach
During ACL reconstruction procedures, in an arthroscopic approach, typically the surgeon will make several small incisions in the knee area. Typically, it is about three small incisions. In addition, sterile saline solution can be injected through one of these aforementioned incisions. This helps to expand it and it also helps to wash blood from the area so that your physician will be more able to see the knee structures that they are working on.
In an arthroscopic approach, the surgeon will insert a tool called an arthroscope. This has a camera at the distal end which is a helpful tool. This camera can take pictures of the inside of the knee and as a result pictures from the inside of the knee can be transmitted to a monitor in the operating room.
Next a surgical drill can be inserted through one of the small incision sites. This drill is used to create small hold in the upper and lower leg bones. The holes are located close together near the knee joint. Moreover, these small holes will serve as anchoring points for the grafts. Typically, in an ACL reconstruction, an autograft is used. This means that tendons from your own body are used. Usually, the patellar tendon or hamstring muscle tendon are options for grafts. - A graft may also be derived from a donor that is no longer alive (deceased). This would be referred to as an allograft.
2.) What To Expect After Surgery - Knee Braces Before & After Surgery
Obviously, rest is a key component to the healing process. However, the use of a knee brace before and after surgery can be a useful adjunct to the healing process. It is best to ask a brace specialist if you have questions, but often times a quality knee brace will do a few key things for you. - First, a knee brace can help to reduce pain and provide you with meaningful support. This support can actually help to promote healing for you, because it will help to reduce excessive movements that will further a knee injury. They are helpful for more than just your ACL, in cases where you have injured your meniscus, MCL or other knee structures.
*This is health information. We believe in the beneficial use of knee braces, but it is best to consult your physician for medical advice for your particular situation.
The Brace Super Store
If you would like to take your stability and pain relief to the next level (affordably) then visit us online today at http://www.drbraceco.com DR. Brace Co. is an education based site, created by true brace specialists, that can provide helpful information and meaningful support. If you have questions come to our site and let us know, or call toll free 1-888-564-4888. We will respond.
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