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ACL Reconstruction |
(figure 1) |
The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the four main
ligaments in the knee (figure 1). The ACL provides rotational
stability and support to help prevent unnatural movement in
the joint. High impact activities that feature rapid, twisting
movements place extreme forces on the knees, which can lead
to injury. Basketball, football, and skiing are common activities
that can tear or damage an ACL, resulting in a loss of stability
in the knee. ACL reconstruction is the most common form of
treatment for patients who require the use of a stable knee
for athletic sports, walking, or other low-impact activities |
The Procedure
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To reconstruct your ACL, Dr. LaDouceur uses the
Bone Mulch™ Screw and WasherLoc™ Device (figure 1).
These implants potentially enable
Dr. LaDouceur to reconstruct an extremely strong ACL, which
may enable you to return to your active sports and recreational
activities.
Typically, there are two options available when reconstructing
the ACL. The new ligament material (graft) can be taken from
one of your own tendons (autograft), or the graft can be taken
from a tendon in the knee of a tissue donor (allograft).
The reconstruction is performed arthroscopically, which uses
tiny incisions to insert surgical tools and cameras into the
knee joint. A small tunnel is drilled into the femur (thighbone)
and tibia (shinbone). The graft is then fed into the tunnel,
looped over the Arthrotek® Bone Mulch™ Screw, and attached
to the tibia using the Arthrotek® WasherLoc™ Device.
The entire procedure usually requires 1–2 hours to complete
and is performed while you are under anesthesia. |
Joint Replacement and You
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| Each year, 43 million Americans are affected by
arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two
most common forms, which destroy the lubricating tissue found
at the ends of all moving bones. This tissue, called cartilage,
helps the joints to move freely and painlessly. However, when
the cartilage is destroyed, bone painfully rubs against bone.
To relieve the pain, surgeons can use implants that resurface
or replace the damaged bone to restore movement and function.
The joints most often replaced are the hips, knees, and shoulders. |
Knee Replacement
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 Dr.
LaDouceur performs knee replacement using the Ascent® knee
system. The technique of knee replacement uses implants to resurface
damaged bone and cartilage at the end of the thighbone and the
top of the shinbone. Total knee implants are designed to enable
you to regain function in your knee. Stair climbing, rising
from a seat, and walking can be restored, while pain can be
significantly decreased or completely eliminated. In Dr. LaDouceur’s
hands, the Ascent® knee can help you return to a more active
lifestyle. |
Hip Replacement
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Dr. LaDouceur performs hip replacement
surgery using press-fit implants. Press-fit implants, unlike
cemented implants, are designed to allow bone tissue to grow
into the implant’s porous coating. This process is called
bony in-growth and can potentially provide an extremely stable
joint replacement for increased longevity and decreased pain.
Press-fit hip implants are made from titanium alloy.
Titanium alloy is also more flexible than other implant alloys,
which helps transfer stress to your thighbone. The ability of
your implant to
efficiently transfer normal weight-bearing stress to your thighbone
can potentially increase your implant’s stability and longevity. |
Shoulder Replacement
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The Bio-Modular® total shoulder replacement uses modular
components that allow Dr. LaDouceur to select the most appropriately
sized implant. This option may enable him to better re-create
the normal length of your humerus (upper arm bone), which
is important in tensioning the soft tissues and providing
maximum postoperative function. |
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Dr. LaDouceur treats a variety of orthopedic and sports medicine
conditions. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call our
office at (615)-232-3838. |
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