Dr. Millstein is a specialist in ACL reconstruction and treatments. He has been very successful helping patients recover from a variety of knee injuries. He uses the most advanced orthopedic techniques available and is determined to formulate the most effective individualized treatment plan for all of his patients’ orthopedic injuries. During your first appointment with Dr. Millstein, he will examine your knee and determine the best way to move forward based on your unique needs and circumstances.
Are You a Candidate for Knee Surgery?
A tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common injury that causes the knee to become unstable and weak. Recovery from this type of injury varies from person to person, and not all ACL tears need surgery. Before deciding to have surgery, individuals need to consider how it would impact their daily activities, activity level, and livelihood. Patients who experience recurrent episodes of knee instability, expect to return to high-level athletics, or do not want to attempt conservative therapy should consider reconstructive surgery with Dr. Millstein, widely regarded as the best orthopedic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
If you suffered an orthopedic injury or experience knee pain, Beverly Hills orthopedic surgeon Dr. Millstein can help.
How Does ACL Reconstruction Surgery Work?
Photos below show a torn ACL (top) and the reconstructed ligament from a cadaver allograft (bottom).
ACL reconstruction generally takes less than two hours, depending on what graft is used. General or regional anesthesia is used for the surgery, and a leg nerve block is also commonly used so that the patient does not experience any immediate post-operative pain. After the new ligament has been placed, the incision is closed and a sterile dressing and cast are applied. ACL reconstruction is usually not performed until weeks after the injury, when swelling and inflammation have reduced. Unfortunately, the ACL is a unique ligament in that it does not heal when the two torn pieces are surgically stitched together. Therefore, a new ligament must be created from a tissue graft and inserted into the injured knee. In general, there are three main types of grafts used during an ACL reconstruction: patellar tendon autograft, hamstring autograft, and allograft. Autografts are harvested from your own body using minimally invasive surgical techniques and then inserted into your injured knee using screws. The tissue eventually heals into its new location and becomes a functioning ligament. The process with an allograft is identical, except the tissue comes from a cadaver donor instead of your own body. Deciding what type of graft for a surgery is based on the patient’s age, past medical history, lifestyle, and personal preference. Dr. Millstein has extensive experience with all types of grafts for ACL reconstruction and revision ACL reconstruction. He feels it is very important to individualize ACL treatment and is always willing to discuss your preferences.
If you would like to learn more about knee surgery in Los Angeles, please contact us by calling (310) 595-1030 today.
What to Expect from Your Surgery Results
ACL reconstruction surgery will restore normal or almost normal stability in the knee. It will reduce pain, prevent osteoarthritis, prevent further injury or damage to other knee structures, and restore the level of function the patient had before the injury.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Much of the success of ACL reconstructive surgery depends on the patient’s dedication to rigorous physical therapy. The individual’s willingness and ability to complete difficult exercises month in and month out will determine the success of the ACL surgery. Los Angeles patients (and patients from out-of-town) can expect rehabilitation to continue until the knee is stable and strong, rather than for a limited amount of time.
Hard work and dedication will help reduce knee swelling, maintain mobility of the kneecap, regain full range of motion of the knee, as well as strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. If you have more questions about recovery after ACL reconstruction, Los Angeles orthopedic surgeon Dr. Millstein can help.
If you have experienced a knee injury, schedule an appointment with Beverly Hills sports injury specialist Dr. Millstein by calling (310) 595-1030.