ACL Reconstruction Specialist
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Orthopaedics of Atlanta and Aesthetic Institute
W. Joseph Absi, MD
Sports Medicine Specialist & Joint Replacement Surgeon located in Smyrna, GA
Up to 200,000 athletes and non-athletes are sidelined from sports or work each year because they tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in their knee. To get you back on your feet, W. Joseph Absi, MD, an expert orthopedic surgeon, reconstructs your ACL with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery at Orthopaedics of Atlanta and Aesthetic Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. As a sports medicine specialist, Dr. Absi also helps you recover function and avoid future injury. To reconstruct your ACL and get back to a pain-free knee, contact Orthopaedics of Atlanta and Aesthetic Institute by phone or via the online form.
ACL Reconstruction Q&A
What is an ACL?
Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of several important ligaments that stabilize your knee when you walk, run, or jump. Your ACL connects your shinbone to your thigh bone and prevents them from sliding too far forward or backward.
Why did my ACL tear?
One of the most common ways to tear your ACL is by landing on a twisted knee after a leap or jump. However, anything that places undue stress on your knee could tear your ACL. You’re more at risk for an ACL tear if you:
- Play sports
- Run
- Do manual labor
- Repetitively squat
Moving at high speeds increases your risk for an ACL tear. Athletes may tear their ACLs repetitively.
How can I tell if I have an ACL tear?
Severe knee pain is the most common symptom of an ACL tear. You might hear a popping sound at the time of the injury.
Other signs of an ACL tear are:
- Rapidly swelling knee
- Inability to bend or flex the knee
- Inability to stand on the injured leg
- Knee that buckles or gives way
When you tear your ACL, you usually have to stop your game or activity.
When should I have an ACL reconstruction?
If you have knee pain, Dr. Absi first determines its source and all of the factors involved in your discomfort and immobility. He conducts a physical examination, evaluates your range of motion, and obtains a digital X-ray of your knee. If your ACL is torn or badly stretched, he recommends reconstructing your ACL with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.
What happens during ACL reconstruction?
Dr. Absi uses small incisions and arthroscopy for ACL reconstruction to minimize trauma and accelerate your recovery. An arthroscope is a miniature camera that he inserts into your knee to transmit a 3-D image to a monitor. This technique allows him to make precise movements with tiny surgical tools.
He first removes your damaged ACL. He then takes a graft from another knee ligament. He threads the graft through angled insertion points that he drilled through the bottom of your thigh bone and top of the shinbone.
After securing the graft and repairing the donor ligament, Dr. Absi withdraws the arthroscope and closes the incisions. He prescribes physical therapy to teach you how to use a crutch during recovery, facilitate healing, and restore strength and flexibility.
To restore your knee function with ACL reconstruction, contact Orthopaedics of Atlanta and Aesthetic Institute today by phone or use the online form.
We treat patients for sports injuries including shoulder, knee, joint pain, and and traumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal system, including trigger finger pain. We focus on sports medicine & joint replacements, to include shoulder, hip & knee replacements, along with Carpal Tunnel. Call us to book your appointment today.
