Pawar Hospital

Spire Hospital

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Dr Gaurav Pawar is a well established Hip and Knee joint replacement and sports injury (Arthroscopy) surgeon. He has eight years of experience in Trauma & Orthropaedics and has gained considerable knowledge and espertise in this field during this period. He has also worked in Trauma and Orthopaedics in the NHS system in UK for 3 years at reputed hospitals like Royal Free Hospital,London, Chase Farm Hospital, London and Tameside Hospital, Greater Manchester. He has performed numerous joint replacement and arthroscopy surgeries during this period and is well versed with the latest surgical techniques. He has also presented and published many papers at national and international stages.

Knee Arthroscopy

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ACL Reconstruction

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed to repair a torn or completely ruptured ACL in the knee. The ACL is a vital ligament that provides stability to the knee joint, particularly during activities involving sudden stops, changes in direction, and jumping.

An ACL tear is a common sports-related injury, often occurring in sports that involve pivoting and twisting movements, such as soccer, basketball, football, and skiing. When the ACL is torn, it typically does not heal on its own due to the limited blood supply to the ligament. As a result, surgical intervention is often required to restore stability and function to the knee.

The ACL reconstruction procedure involves the following steps:

  • Graft Selection: The surgeon chooses a graft to replace the torn ACL. Common graft options include autografts (tissue from the patient's own body) and allografts (tissue from a donor). The most commonly used autografts are the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or quadriceps tendon. Allografts are usually used in cases where the patient's own tissue is not suitable for various reasons.
  • Arthroscopic Procedure: The surgery is typically performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and a camera (arthroscope) to visualize the inside of the knee joint. This minimally invasive approach allows the surgeon to access the knee without the need for a large incision.
  • Removal of the Torn ACL: The surgeon removes the damaged remnants of the torn ACL from the knee.
  • Tunnel Creation: Bone tunnels are drilled into the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) at the locations where the ACL normally attaches.
  • Graft Placement: The selected graft is then threaded through the bone tunnels and secured in place to function as a replacement for the torn ACL.

After the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation program, which typically includes physical therapy, to help restore knee strength, stability, and range of motion. Recovery times can vary, but patients may be able to resume low-impact activities within a few months and return to more demanding sports and activities within 6 to 9 months, depending on individual progress and the surgeon's guidance.

Do's for ACL Reconstruction

  • Follow Pre-operative Instructions: Adhere to your surgeon's pre-operative guidelines, which may include fasting instructions and medication restrictions.
  • Prepare Your Home: Make sure your home is safe and accessible for your recovery, with clear pathways and assistive devices like crutches.
  • Attend Physical Therapy: Engage in physical therapy before and after surgery to strengthen the knee and surrounding muscles, which can aid in the recovery process.
  • Comply with Medications: Take prescribed medications, including pain relievers and antibiotics, as directed to manage pain and prevent infections.
  • Keep the Incision Clean: Follow your surgeon's instructions on caring for the surgical incision to prevent infections and promote proper healing.
  • Control Swelling and Pain: Use ice packs and elevation to control swelling, and take pain medications as prescribed to manage discomfort.

Don'ts for ACL Reconstruction

  • Overexert Yourself: Avoid putting excessive stress on the knee during the early stages of recovery. Follow your physical therapist's guidelines and gradually increase activity as advised.
  • Neglect Physical Therapy: Continue with your physical therapy sessions diligently to regain strength, stability, and function in your knee.
  • Ignore Signs of Infection: If you experience signs of infection, such as fever, increased redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision, contact your surgeon immediately.
  • Neglect Wound Care: Properly care for the surgical incision as instructed by your surgeon to prevent infection and complications.
  • Engage in High-Impact Activities: Avoid high-impact exercises or activities that may put strain on the reconstructed ACL.
  • Sit for Prolonged Periods: Avoid sitting or lying in one position for too long to prevent stiffness and discomfort.