5 Risks And Complications Associated With ACL Surgery In Singapore

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The ACL is one of the major ligaments in the knee joint and is responsible for maintaining stability and preventing excessive movement. ACL injury cases in Singapore are common among athletes and individuals who engage in high-impact activities. So if you are one of them, visit your doctor and check your health. You can learn more about ACL tear surgery, ACL tear treatments, symptoms and recovery tips on Ray of Health.

5 RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ACL SURGERY IN SINGAPORE

ACL surgery in Singapore is for individuals who have sustained a complete tear or rupture of the ligament. While the procedure is generally safe and effective, some risks and complications associated with the treatment may happen, like the following:

1. INFECTION

Infection is a potential complication of any surgical procedure, including ACL treatment. While the risk of infection is low, it can still occur in some patients. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness around the surgical site, and fever and chills. In some cases, an infection can lead to additional surgery to remove infected tissue or even amputation in extreme cases. To reduce the risk of infection, patients should follow their surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully, keep the surgical site clean and dry, and report any signs of infection to their surgeon immediately.

2. BLOOD CLOTS

Another risk associated with this surgery is the formation of blood clots, which can occur when blood pools in the legs or lungs. Blood clots can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism. Patients who undergo surgery are at a higher risk of developing blood clots due to the immobilisation of the leg after surgery. Patients have typically been prescribed blood thinners or asked to wear compression stockings during recovery to reduce this risk. It may also happen when you undergo hip replacement surgery in Singapore.

3. NERVE DAMAGE

Nerve damage is a potential risk of ACL procedure if the surgical site is near nerves that control movement and sensation in the leg. Patients may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg. To reduce the risk, surgeons must be careful when manipulating the knee joint during surgery and ensure that the instruments do not come into contact with the nerves.

4. KNEE STIFFNESS

Another potential complication of ACL surgery is knee stiffness, which can occur if the patient does not undergo adequate rehabilitation. It can make the knee difficult to bend or straighten. It may also interfere with the ability to perform daily activities or participate in sports. Patients must undergo a structured rehabilitation program that includes exercises to strengthen the knee joint and improve the range of motion.

5. GRAFT FAILURE

During the surgery, a graft replaces the torn ligament. While grafts are typically successful, failure can happen in patients who engage in high-impact activities or sports. It can occur if the graft does not properly integrate with the surrounding tissue or the patient re-injures the knee joint. Additional surgery can occur to repair or replace the graft.

ACL procedure helps individuals with knee injuries to regain mobility and resume their normal activities. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential difficulties. With proper care and rehabilitation, patients can recover and return to their normal activities without experiencing long-term complications. Learn from an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore or visit Advanced Orthopaedic and Sports Centre.