Young athlete makes a speedy recovery after ACL surgery

In the United States, a surgical procedure known as lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has been gaining attention for its positive impact on recovery post-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The procedure is often performed simultaneously with ACL surgery and aims to provide additional stability to the knee, particularly crucial for athletes involved in high-impact sports such as soccer and track. Surgeons perform LET by taking a strip of tissue from the outer thigh and securing it within the knee joint, a process which limits the risk of unwanted twisting. The growth in the adoption of LET procedures has been marked, as nearly half of the ACL surgeries performed by Dr. Slabaugh now include this additional step. While LET is not suitable for all patients, it has shown to be particularly effective in younger athletes who participate in activities that require quick direction changes and jumps. Athletes who have undergone the LET procedure report fewer reinjuries and express greater success in returning competitively to their sports after recovery. Norah O'Malley, a track and field athlete from Denison University, experienced an ACL injury nearly a year prior to her return to competitive running. Opting for the LET procedure alongside her ACL reconstruction, O'Malley made a remarkable recovery. She was cleared to run again only five months after surgery, which she originally anticipated would lay her out of competition for up to a year. O'Malley’s story illustrates the effectiveness of the LET procedure and highlights the potential for athletes to regain their full functionality in a shorter timeframe than previously expected. Dr. Slabaugh emphasizes that successful recovery post-ACL surgery incorporates more than just the surgical procedure; it also requires immense motivation and discipline from the athlete. He notes that if patients are unwilling to commit to the necessary rehabilitation efforts, the procedure may not yield the optimal results. Moreover, he wants to reassure athletes that while an ACL tear can seem daunting, it does not equate to an end to their athletic career. As O'Malley made her comeback, she found that her fears over pain and complications were unfounded aside from the lasting scar, proving that with the right approach, setbacks can become opportunities for a powerful comeback.