Wan’Dale Robinson of the New York Giants was just taken off the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) designation. To talk about his ACL tear as well as its impact upon an athlete seems timely
ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament. Located in the front of the knee, it is one of the major ligaments in the knee that helps provide stability. There are four main ligaments that provide stability and prevent excessive movement in the knee: The Medial collateral ligament (MCL), the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), the Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and the ACL. The ACL crosses from the back of the femur to the front of the tibia. The ACL is the most frequent knee ligament injury. Approximately 200,000 – 250,000 ACL ruptures occur annually in the United States.
ACL tear reconstruction surgery involves taking a tissue graft to replace the torn ACL. This is arthroscopic surgery, and involves small incisions. There are several different types of ACL surgery, the most common one seems to be a patellar tendon autograft, using the athlete’s own tendon from below the kneecap. The patellar is commonly referred to as the knee cap. Subsequent ACL surgery without complications is often same day surgery, to go home afterwards. No driving oneself home! Please have someone drive you.
Use of Crutches with an ACL Tear
Patients use crutches for 2 – 4 weeks after surgery, it often takes 4 – 6 weeks to regain normal walking after ACL reconstruction surgery. As a results, using a protective knee brace is standard after the reconstructive surgery as it helps to stabilize the knee during the first few months of recovery. Patients often wear the brace for 6 – 8 weeks until the graft heals and the quad strength returns.
Surgeons use screws during the ACL reconstruction surgery, usually bioabsorbable ones tht dissolve over time and don’t need surgical removal. In some cases, the use standard metal screws. If they cause irritation or pain, surgeons typically remove anywhere from 6 – 12 months after the initial ACL surgery. Like the initial surgery, the removal is done arthroscopically through tiny incisions using cameras and instruments. The process involves unscrewing the screws and removing them from the bone. Wan’Dale Robinson seemingly had bioabsorbable screws, as he went out and had a tattoo put over the surgical area several months after the process!
An ACL tear unfortunately a common injury among NFL players. Currently New York Giant players who have had the surgery include running back Saquon Barkley, wide receiver Sterling Shepard, offensive tackle Matt Peart, and safety Xavier McKinney. They have all made successful recoveries. Former cornerback Aaron Robinson has had the surgery as well.
Re-tearing the ACL
Re-tearing the ACL after reconstruction surgery is unfortunately common, especially if patients rush rehab. Surgeons perform revision surgery, the outcomes are often not as good as the initial process. Recent NFL players who have had two ACL surgeries include Joe Haden, Teddy Bridgewater, Jabrill Peppers and Cameron Fleming. Zach Ertz, the Philadelphia Eagle tight end had a success 2022 season, played throughout the year post three ACL surgeries to his right knee.
Whereas Von Miller, the stellar outside linebacker for the Buffalo Bills is currently out recuperating from this third ACL surgery to his right knee. Miller suffered another ACL injury in November of 2022, he is expected to miss most of the season. At 34 years of age, Miller has to consider the stress to the knee if he were to return.
Barry Schustermann
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