ACL Reconstruction
Dr Loseli offers a range of knee procedures, from total knee replacement to ACL reconstruction
ACL Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to treat a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This type of injury is common among athletes, especially those who play high-impact sports such as football, netball, touch and soccer. The ACL is an important ligament located in the knee joint that helps keep the knee stable and provide support when performing certain activities. When the ACL is torn, it can cause instability and pain. ACL reconstruction surgery replaces the torn ligament with a tissue graft (usually your own hamstring tendon) to restore stability and function of the knee joint. This surgery is usually done arthroscopically (key hole), using small incisions and special instruments that allow for precise placement of the graft in order to ensure restoration of function. The surgery involves drilling two holes in different parts of the bone, passing the graft into the knee and securing the ends into the bone. Depending on the complexity of the case, it usually takes between one and 90 minutes to perform this operation.
Following the surgery, rehabilitation is a critical part of the recovery process. A physiotherapist can design a program to help improve strength, range of motion, and balance. This usually includes range of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises. Additionally, wearing a compression bandage can help minimise swelling and support the joint while it heals. With proper rehabilitation and a gradual return to activity, patients can typically resume their normal activities with little to no restrictions within 6-12 months of the procedure.
Expert ACL Reconstruction from Your Local Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Tau Loseli provides advanced ACL reconstruction surgery for patients throughout Wagga Wagga and the Riverina region. As a specialist orthopaedic surgeon with extensive training in sports medicine and knee surgery, Dr. Loseli offers both traditional and cutting-edge techniques for ACL repair, ensuring optimal outcomes for athletes and active individuals.
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injuries are among the most common serious knee injuries, particularly affecting athletes involved in sports requiring sudden direction changes, jumping, or pivoting movements. Dr. Loseli’s expertise in ACL reconstruction helps patients return to their pre-injury activity levels with restored knee stability and confidence.
What is the ACL and Why is it Important?
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of four major ligaments that stabilise the knee joint. It prevents the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forward relative to the femur (thigh bone) and provides rotational stability during pivoting movements. When the ACL is torn, patients typically experience significant instability, making it difficult to participate in sports or even perform daily activities that require cutting or pivoting motions.
Common Causes of ACL Injuries:
- Sports involving sudden direction changes (football, basketball, soccer, tennis).
- Landing awkwardly from a jump.
- Direct impact to the knee during contact sports.
- Sudden deceleration while running.
- Non-contact pivoting movements.
Dr. Loseli’s experience treating ACL injuries across all age groups and activity levels ensures appropriate treatment recommendations tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Advanced ACL Reconstruction Techniques
Dr. Loseli utilises state-of-the-art arthroscopic techniques for ACL reconstruction, minimising surgical trauma while ensuring optimal graft placement and tunnel positioning. His experience with various graft options allows for personalised treatment selection based on patient age, activity level, and individual anatomy.
Graft Options for ACL Reconstruction
Patellar Tendon Autograft (BTB):
The gold standard for many athletes, using the patient’s own patellar tendon with bone blocks from the kneecap and shin bone. This graft provides excellent strength and bone-to-bone healing, making it ideal for high-demand athletes and patients requiring maximum stability.
Hamstring Tendon Autograft:
Using the patient’s own hamstring tendons, this option offers excellent strength with potentially less post-operative pain and smaller incisions. Dr. Loseli frequently recommends this graft for patients concerned about anterior knee pain or those with specific occupational requirements.
Quadriceps Tendon Autograft:
An increasingly popular option that provides excellent strength characteristics while preserving other tendons around the knee. This graft is particularly suitable for larger patients or revision ACL reconstruction cases.
Allograft Options:
Using donor tissue, allografts eliminate the need for harvesting the patient’s own tissue, reducing surgery time and post-operative pain. Dr. Loseli may recommend allografts for older patients, those with multiple ligament injuries, or revision cases.
The Surgical Procedure
ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically through small incisions around the knee. Dr. Loseli removes the torn ACL remnants and prepares precise bone tunnels in the femur and tibia. The chosen graft is then positioned and secured with specialised fixation devices designed to allow early rehabilitation while ensuring secure healing.
The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, and most patients return home the same day or after a brief overnight stay. Dr. Loseli’s experience with advanced arthroscopic techniques ensures minimal tissue disruption and optimal graft positioning for long-term success.
ACL Reconstruction Recovery and Return to Sports
Dr. Loseli’s comprehensive approach to ACL reconstruction extends well beyond surgery, encompassing detailed rehabilitation planning and ongoing support throughout your return to activity. His experience working with athletes at all levels ensures you receive expert guidance tailored to your specific sport and performance goals.
Phase 1: Initial Recovery (0-6 weeks)
Immediate post-operative care focuses on controlling swelling, protecting the graft, and beginning gentle range of motion exercises. Dr. Loseli works closely with experienced physiotherapists throughout Wagga Wagga and Griffith who specialize in ACL rehabilitation protocols.
Goals include achieving full knee extension, gradually increasing flexion to 90 degrees, and beginning basic strengthening exercises. Most patients can discontinue crutches within 1-2 weeks and return to office work within a few days to one week after surgery.
Phase 2: Strength Development (6-16 weeks)
This phase emphasises progressive strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and surrounding muscle groups. Dr. Loseli’s rehabilitation protocols include specific milestones for strength, range of motion, and functional movements that must be achieved before advancing to more demanding activities.
Patients typically begin stationary cycling, swimming, and other low-impact activities during this phase. The focus remains on protecting the healing graft while gradually increasing functional demands on the knee.
Phase 3: Return to Activity (4-9 months)
The final phase of rehabilitation includes sport-specific training, plyometric exercises, and agility work designed to prepare athletes for safe return to competition. Dr. Loseli utilises objective criteria including strength testing, hop testing, and movement analysis to determine readiness for return to sports.
Why Choose Dr. Tau Loseli for ACL Reconstruction?
Specialised Sports Medicine Training:
Dr. Loseli’s fellowship training included extensive experience with ACL reconstruction and sports-related knee injuries. His training at major Australian trauma centers exposed him to complex ACL cases, revision surgeries, and multi-ligament knee injuries, providing expertise that benefits all patients regardless of their activity level.
Advanced Surgical Techniques:
Dr. Loseli stays current with the latest advances in ACL reconstruction, including anatomic tunnel placement, contemporary graft fixation methods, and individualised graft selection. His commitment to ongoing education ensures you benefit from the most effective surgical techniques available.
Comprehensive Care in the Riverina:
As a local orthopaedic surgeon practicing in both Wagga Wagga and Griffith, Dr. Loseli provides convenient access to specialist ACL care without requiring travel to major metropolitan centers. This local accessibility is particularly valuable for the extended rehabilitation process and follow-up care required after ACL reconstruction.
Understanding Regional Athletic Needs:
Dr. Loseli’s experience treating athletes from rural and regional backgrounds gives him unique insight into the demands faced by patients who may need to return to physical work, agricultural activities, or sports with limited access to specialized rehabilitation facilities.
Collaborative Care Approach:
Dr. Loseli works closely with local physiotherapists, sports medicine physicians, and athletic trainers to ensure coordinated care throughout your ACL reconstruction journey. This team approach optimises outcomes while maintaining continuity with your existing healthcare relationships.
Long-term Follow-up Commitment:
Dr. Loseli’s commitment to long-term patient relationships means ongoing monitoring of your ACL reconstruction success. Regular follow-up appointments ensure your knee continues to function optimally and any potential issues are addressed promptly.
Preparing for ACL Reconstruction Consultation
If you suspect an ACL injury or have been advised to consider ACL reconstruction, Dr. Loseli provides comprehensive consultations to assess your condition and discuss treatment options. Understanding your injury, treatment choices, and expected outcomes is essential for making informed decisions about your knee care.
What to Bring to Your Consultation:
- MRI scans and any previous imaging of your knee
- Details about how the injury occurred
- Information about your activity goals and timeline concerns
- List of current medications and previous knee treatments
- Your Medicare card and private health insurance details
Signs You May Need ACL Reconstruction:
- Knee instability or “giving way” during activities
- Inability to return to sports due to knee instability
- Recurrent knee swelling after activity
- Feeling of the knee “shifting” during movement
- Failed conservative treatment with physiotherapy
Conservative vs. Surgical Treatment:
Not all ACL tears require surgical reconstruction. Dr. Loseli carefully evaluates each patient’s age, activity level, associated injuries, and personal goals to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Some patients, particularly those with sedentary lifestyles or specific medical considerations, may benefit from non-surgical management.
Scheduling Your ACL Reconstruction
Dr. Loseli performs ACL reconstruction at multiple hospital facilities throughout the Riverina, offering both public and private options to meet your needs and insurance coverage. His scheduling coordinator works with you to arrange surgery timing that accommodates work, school, or athletic commitments.
For urgent ACL reconstruction cases, particularly those involving athletes with time-sensitive competition schedules, Dr. Loseli provides expedited consultation and surgical scheduling when appropriate.
Get Back on Your Feet with Dr. Loseli
Experience expert orthopaedic care in the Riverina. Let Dr. Tau Loseli help you regain your mobility and well-being.
Contact us today to start your journey towards a healthier, pain-free life.