Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in our clinic in Kraków

Find out what we can do for you

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common injuries of the knee joint. People who are physically active and participate in rotational sports, in particular football, tennis, skiing or snowboarding, are at risk of this injury.

Symptoms of anterior cruciate ligament injury

The anterior cruciate ligament, abbreviated ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), is subject to a variety of injuries and trauma. Symptoms indicating its damage include:

intense pain during injury,
tendency of the knee to run away,
feeling of knee instability,
large swelling,
blood in the joint fluid.

ACL reconstruction – how is it done?

ACL reconstruction involves rebuilding a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. To do this, a piece of tendon is first taken from the semitendinosus muscle or the gracilis muscle. It is also possible to take a fragment of the quadriceps tendon of the thigh or the patella ligament. If it is not possible to use organic tissue, plastic one is used. The selected material is used to form a new ligament in the knee. This is done by attaching the chosen material to the tibia using specialised screws and surgical anchors.

The ACL reconstruction procedure is performed using an arthroscopic method. This means that the knee is not opened for surgery, but a mini-camera and microscopic surgical instruments are introduced into the joint cavity to assess the damage to the ACL ligament and other structures of the joint (posterior cruciate ligament, meniscus, articular cartilage, synovial membrane). The surgeon removes pathological changes that may be the cause of the knee pain and repairs the damaged structures, e.g. repairs the loss of articular cartilage and stitches the meniscus, which often ruptures during a knee injury leading to a rupture of the ACL. Then the surgeon prepares a graft. The new ligament is inserted into the joint and stabilised in the bone so that its course and tension are as close as possible to the anatomical ligament.

We encourage you to learn more about the offer of ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in our clinic in Krakow.

Why should you have your ACL reconstructed at our clinic in Kraków?

State-of-the-art surgical technology
Minimally invasive procedures, allowing the patient to recover and return to full fitness in no time
On-site availability of diagnostic facilities: magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, X-ray, ultrasound
Comprehensive care by an orthopedic surgeon and physiotherapist, launch of a dedicated rehabilitation programme immediately after surgery
Quick surgery appointments – carried out within a week of consultation
Free parking for patients in front of the clinic

Rehabilitation after surgery

The key to a full recovery after ACL reconstruction is the implementation of properly selected rehabilitation, which is an integral part of the treatment.

In the case of a ruptured ligament, rehabilitation involves supporting the tissue regeneration process and restoring proper joint biomechanics.

The first stage of treatment: it is primarily a fight against swelling, pain and haematomas. During this period, the patient should take it easy, cool the knee and walk on crutches.
In the next stage the range of motion improves and muscle atrophy is prevented. The third stage is improvement of proprioception and active stabilization of muscles. Remember that proper rehabilitation will not only help you get back to health, but will also minimise the risk of re-injury.

Preparation for operation

Blood group determination,
Blood morphology,
Diagnosis for the presence infectious diseases (HBs antigen, Anti-HCV antibodies),
Coagulological tests: activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT+INR),
Serum biochemical tests: glucose level, sodium ions (Na), potassium ions (K), creatinine level,

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