ACL Reconstruction
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City Orthopedics
Orthopedic Surgery located in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY & Flushing, NY
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common knee injuries. Orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Neil Mulchandani, MD, performs minimally invasive arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery at City Orthopedics in Flushing and Chinatown, New York City. For the highest quality care in ACL reconstruction, call or book an appointment online today.
ACL Reconstruction Q & A
What is ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of four major ligaments that stabilize your knee joint. An ACL tear is a common sports injury that most often occurs during sports that require sudden stops and direction changes (cutting), like soccer, basketball, and football.
During ACL reconstruction surgery, Dr. Mulchandani removes the torn ligament and replaces it with a piece of tendon from another part of your knee. Or, he may replace the ligament with tissue from a donor (allograft).
Why would I need ACL reconstruction?
In some cases, nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy are enough to improve the pain and symptoms of an ACL tear. However, you may be a candidate for ACL reconstruction if:
- You’re an active person
- You’re an athlete and want to return to sports as soon as possible
- The injury causes your knee to give out during everyday activities
- The ACL tear occurs with another knee injury, like a meniscus tear
The City Orthopedics team carefully evaluates your injury, symptoms, and activity level before recommending the best treatment for your particular needs.
What should I expect from ACL reconstruction surgery?
Dr. Mulchandani is fellowship-trained in arthroscopic surgery. He usually performs ACL reconstructions arthroscopically as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day.
During arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery, Dr. Mulchandani makes one or more small incisions around your knee. Each incision is about the size of a buttonhole.
Dr. Mulchandani inserts a narrow, tube-like camera into one of these incisions so he can view the inside of your knee. He inserts tiny surgical instruments into the other incisions to treat your torn ACL. Once the damaged ligament is removed it’s replaced with the tendon segment (graft).
After surgery, you may need to wear a knee brace or use crutches while your knee heals. The City Orthopedics team provides you with instructions on how to care for your knee at home as well as a rehabilitation plan for recovery.
If you think you may need ACL reconstruction surgery, call City Orthopedics or book an appointment online today.
