An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) could cause considerable damage to your knee. If you hear a pop or feel a “popping” sensation in the knee, you should take it seriously as it could be an injury to an important ligament. And you could require an ACL reconstruction surgery.

How is the ACL injured?

ACL injuries are most common during sporting events that involve a sudden change in direction or stops like soccer, basketball, and downhill skiing. Soon after the injury, the affected knee would swell, become unstable, and feel too painful to bear weight. Depending on the severity of the injury, a surgeon could suggest rest and rehabilitation exercises or surgery.

What happens during ligament surgery?

It is called keyhole surgery as a minor incision is made on the affected knee to perform the surgery. The process is to remove the damaged ligament and replace it with an operational tissue graft. And the surgery is performed arthroscopically. It is the best possible treatment for a broken ligament that can make life difficult in the long run.

The main element of minimally invasive surgery is the application of the laparoscopic technique. It involves an extended fiber optic cable construction that allows the surgeon to have a clear view of the damaged area with the help of a wire from a distance. You will get only a 0.5-1.5 cm incision on your knee. Also, the surgery will take a short time in completing.

Advantages of the minimally invasive surgery

• A small incision requires little time in healing
• Lesser post-operative care reduces hospitalization
• The short duration of recovery is an added advantage
• Reduced hemorrhaging
• Positive outcome

Do I need ligament surgery?

If you have recently undergone a ligament injury then there are chances that you will require ACL reconstruction surgery. There are some tests that you can conduct at home to determine whether you need surgery.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you need surgery

• Pain followed by fever
• The problem in sitting, standing, and walking for a long time
• Inflammation on the affected joint
• Fragile ligaments and joints

If you have pain in a knee, you should get it examined by an experienced surgeon. If it is a ligament injury and you are advised surgery, you should opt for minimally invasive surgery. Keyhole surgery can give you fast and lasting relief from the pain due to the damaged ligament.