Is Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Considered a Major Surgery?

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a common surgical procedure in sports medicine, specifically within the field of joint surgery, and is considered a routine operation. With the development of arthroscopic technology, most cases of anterior cruciate ligament rupture or injury, as well as repair and reconstruction surgeries, are performed arthroscopically. Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is minimally invasive, typically requiring 2-3 hours to complete. For experienced surgeons, the procedure can be finished in just one hour, and postoperative hospitalization is usually only necessary for 2-3 days. Therefore, it is not considered a major surgery. Additionally, this surgery does not require general anesthesia; only lower body anesthesia or epidural anesthesia is necessary. The patient remains conscious during the surgery, and some brave patients can even view the surgical process through a monitor.

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the ligaments within the knee joint capsule. Together with the posterior cruciate ligament, they form the cruciate ligaments, which are ligamentous tissues that maintain joint stability within the joint capsule. During physical activities, there is a risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, which can include damage to the medial collateral ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament itself. Additionally, these injuries can also involve damage to the meniscus, collectively known as the triad of knee injuries. If the triad occurs, it indicates damage to the tissues that maintain knee stability, and surgical treatment is required. The surgery is performed arthroscopically to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament and re-establish the attachment point of the medial collateral ligament under direct vision. This treatment approach facilitates the recovery of the knee joint and prevents the premature occurrence of osteoarthritis.

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture refers to the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, which is located between the femur and tibia within the knee joint. This rupture can occur due to various reasons, with the majority of cases resulting from trauma or other external injuries. Since the anterior cruciate ligament is a crucial structure for maintaining knee stability, its main function is to prevent excessive anterior displacement of the tibia. Therefore, damage to this ligament can lead to significant instability, pain, and swelling in the knee joint. These symptoms may become more pronounced during fast walking, climbing stairs, squatting, or standing up, especially with regards to knee instability. Additionally, anterior cruciate ligament ruptures can often occur in cases of excessive knee valgus injury, external rotation injury, or overextension injury.