Advantages of Bio Absorbable ACL Screws Over Metallic ACL Screws

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, a knee ligament that functions to stabilize the knee is commonly injured in athletes who play football, basketball, and handball. ACL injures are treated with surgery to reconstruct the ligament. It is done by attaching a replacement graft to tunnels drilled into the end of the thigh bone and shin bone. Often ACL screws are used to attach the graft to the bone. Metal screws are used commonly for surgery. Even though they are successful, they are hard to remove in case of further surgery requirements. Bone fracturing is quite common while skipping on a bike or road accident, which may cause serious injury. So, the doctor wishes to give a complete remedy instead of temporary solution.

There are different types of ACL screws available in the surgical equipment markets and they may prefer in accordance with the problems faced by the patients.

Types of ACL screws

There are mainly two types of ACL screws used in ACL replacement surgery- Metallic Screws and Bioabsorbable ACL screws.

1. Metallic Screws

Conventionally, metallic screws are used in ACL surgeries. They are made of metals that are attached with the graft to the bones. The advantage of metallic interference screws is that they provide solid fixations and are well tolerated by the patient’s body. After the required time of treatment, such screws are removed from the body by conducting another surgery. Since such screws are made of metals such as titanium, it is reported to have an increased risk of inflammation, infection, and failed surgery. They are associated with adverse events including MRI distortion and complications in revision surgery.

2. Bioabsorbable Screws

Bioabsorbable interference screws are widely used in orthopedic procedures and ACL surgeries for graft fixation. They are made with materials such as Poly-L-lactic acid which helps the screws to get dissolved over time. And also they will not interfere while doing MRI scans. Even though both the metallic screws and Bioabsorbable screws have similar fixation strengths, Bioabsorbable screws eliminate the need for the removal of screws.

Also Check - When To Go For Joint Replacement Surgery

Tips for Successful Recovery after ACL Surgery

If you had surgery to repair your damaged ligament in your knee i.e. an ACL surgery, here are some of the things to care for yourself after discharge from the hospital. It is necessary to have a spouse, friend, or neighbor to help you when you go home. It can take 4 to 6 months for you to return to your full level of activity and take part in sports again if you are a sports enthusiast.

1. Keep your legs popped up on pillows maybe 1 or 2. Place the pillows either under your foot or calf muscle. It will help swelling down. Continue to do this for about 2 or 3 days after surgery. Keep your knee straight and never put the pillow behind your knee.
2. Be careful not to get the dressing or bandages done on your feet or legs wet while taking showers.
3. Usually, the dressing on your knee is removed the day after surgery. Since there is a chance of some minor fluid leakages sterile bandages or dressings can be used.
4. Never use a heating pad.
5. Do exercises to keep the blood moving on your foot, ankle, and leg and avoid blood clots forming.
6. Pain and discomfort are expected for the first few days so that it is a must to take pain medication according to the doctor’s guidance. The medications generally advised are over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or stronger narcotic drugs,
7. Staying active and building strength in the muscles of your legs will help you with a speedy recovery. Rehabilitation programs will help you to restore the range of movements of your knee.

Winding Up:

So here are the two ACL Screws widely used in hospitals for orthopedic surgeries such as ACL replacement surgery. MJ Surgical, we are the well-known surgical equipment providers based in Ahmedabad who serves orthopedic surgeons in different locations with international quality in equipment. We manufacture equipment such as ACL screws, iliac screws for the spine, etc.