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The knee joint is one of the most important weight-bearing joints of the body. A number of ligaments are responsible for its stability. One of them is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This ligament is located anteriorly behind the patellar ligament. It joins the femur (thigh bone) with the tibia (shin bone). It is so named because it is placed diagonally. It is responsible for forward movement and rotation of tibia over the femur.
ACL is among the most commonly damaged ligaments due to falls, accidents, automobile injuries, etc. It may also get injured during sports such as football, basketball, etc. These sports can be the cause of a tear of Ligament fibers, which can be especially painful and impairing of the joint movement. Surgical treatment is available for knee ligament injury. The procedure is performed by certified orthopedic surgeons in specialized medical facilities and clinics.
Prices for Knee Ligament Surgery (ACL) within Greece can substantially vary depending on several factors. These factors could encompass the details of the operation, such as the extent to which a ligament is repaired, the proficiency level of the surgeon, and the geographical position of the medical facility. Prior medical examinations, anesthetics, post-surgery medications, and the recovery program might incur added expenses. To shield oneself from unexpected bills, it is crucial to gain a thorough understanding of all potential costs from the outset.
Knee ligament surgery begins with anesthetizing the patient. An arthroscope is inserted through a small incision which is used to view inside the joint, this allows the surgeon to clearly see the torn ligament. After this, many smaller incisions are given on and around the joint through which various surgical instruments are inserted into the joint cavity. The anterior cruciate ligament cannot be repaired by sewing its torn fibers together. Its fibers are removed and new tissue is grafted at its place which is taken either from the patellar tendon or hamstring tendons.
Alternatively, a cadaver can be used to provide the new fibers - this option is particularly popular among athletes who do not want to lose any speed after recovery. The new ligament is fixed at the same place where the previous ligament was located with the help of staples or screws. After the surgery, your incisions are stitched and bandages are applied over them.
The surgery is usually 1 to 1.5 hours long. An overnight stay at the hospital is required after which you are discharged. After being discharged from the hospital, visit your doctor regularly. If you are given dissolvable stitches, they will disappear after 3 weeks. If not, you would have to visit your doctor to get them removed. You will have to stay in the area for 1-2 weeks after surgery for check-ups. This is to ensure proper monitoring and to attend initial rehabilitation sessions. You can go home when allowed by your doctor and continue your follow-ups with your local doctor.
A full recovery can take between 6-9 months, during which time, no contact sport should be played. It can extend to a year depending upon various factors. You can return to work 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery if it is office work. If not, wait for the recovery. At least 3 months are required to get back to it if you do physical work. You can continue to drive 3 to 4 weeks after being operated upon. In 6 months, you can start taking part in sports. 1 year is needed for full-term recovery. You might have swelling in your knee and shin due to the leakage of blood and synovial fluid from the operated joint. Pain killers are given to help you avoid severe pain in the initial days. Swelling and pain are temporary symptoms which subside usually after a week. If not, consult your doctor immediately.
The most important aspect of recovering from ACL surgery is the physiotherapy, this begins immediately after the surgery, usually the next day whilst still in the hospital. Then when you return home, you'll be expected to do various stretches and exercises 3 times a day, every day for the next 6+ weeks. Regular physio appointments should be attended so the professionals can keep tabs on your recovery. Physio is only finished once you pass a strength test to confirm the joint is now at least 95% of the strength of your good knee. Continued gym work should be adhered to even after clearing the assessment, building the strength of the depleted hamstring is highly advisable.
Keep the following points in your mind after being discharged:
Anterior cruciate ligament surgery is considered one of the most successful surgeries in Orthopaedics. 85 to 90% success rate is reported for this surgery. After the surgery, the patient is again able to walk and run on his own feet. It is almost always successful. In case it does not work out, the reason can be infection and blood clot formation. The patient feels stiffness in his joint and decreased mobility. In this case, another surgery is required. Revision of this surgery is a complex procedure that might not always be successful. It works to restore your normal mobility. You might not be able to be a part of sports and athletics again. Avoid infections and blood clot formation during the surgery. It is essential to begin physio immediately and to keep this up during the entire recovery period.
Surgery should never be the first option when other treatment methods can help. Following are some effective alternatives to knee ligament surgery:
Before commencing with the Knee Ligament Surgery (ACL), it is standard practice for your healthcare provider to conduct thorough pre-operative assessments. These assessments range from physical evaluations, blood testing, to imaging examinations like X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging. Besides, a consultation with an anesthesiologist may be needed to determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia based on your overall health. For some patients, prophylactic antibiotic treatment may be required to mitigate infection risks connected with the treatment.
Crucially, you must openly discuss your current medication regimen with your healthcare team; certain drugs may need to be temporarily paused. It's also highly recommended to abstain from alcohol and stop smoking as these habits can negatively impact anesthesia and extend recovery periods. A preoperative exercise regimen can likewise be advantageous, boosting surgical success rates and recovery trajectories.
Following the Knee Ligament Surgery (ACL), typically, you will be transported to a recovery area where healthcare professionals will meticulously monitor your vital signs. Post-operative pain management is a priority and your healthcare team will provide necessary pain relief. The recuperation period may entail physical therapy sessions devised to restore knee functionality and muscle strength. These focused exercises are designed to enhance flexibility and fortify the muscles that support the knee, thereby fortifying the joint and lessening the likelihood of subsequent injuries.
Just like any other surgical intervention, Knee Ligament Surgery (ACL) comes with possible risks and complications. Infections at the location of the surgery may happen in unusual cases. Another potential complication could be the formation of blood clots in the legs, termed deep vein thrombosis. Moreover, there is a likelihood of graft rejection, leading to the newly implanted ligament failing to heal correctly. Injuries to nerves and blood vessels could also transpire, though such occurrences are extremely rare. Some patients might still face knee instability or weakness post-surgery, necessitating further treatment or corrective surgery.
One more possible aftermath of Knee Ligament Surgery (ACL) could be the stiffness of the knee or a decreased range of motion. It's essential to note that individual responses to surgeries vary, and by following your surgeon's instructions, including sticking to a prescribed physical therapy program and healthy routine, the risk of adverse side effects can be considerably decreased.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Located at the very bottom of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece is a mesmerizing blend of sun-drenched islands and historical marvels. Boasting approximately 2,000 islands, an impressive 170 among them are inhabited and teeming with life. Greece's geographical charm has been nowhere short of a magnet to travelling enthusiasts, pulling in a spectacular count of over 24 million wanderlust-struck visitors each passing year.
Greece turns out to be a preferred hotspot for a particular category of globe-trotters. Travelers come from the farthest stretches of the world seeking its array of top-tier beaches to soak up the sun, the warm ocean for an invigorating dip, the array of ancient relics for their history fix, and to immerse into an engaging culture. The universal allure of Greece, seemingly, never ceases to captivate the hearts of explorers worldwide.
The upward shift in Greece's status as a medical tourism hub has been quite noticeable in recent years. Medical tourists are being increasingly drawn to the country, a relative newcomer in the industry, due to a myriad of reasons. One of the core attractions is its health care system, which holds a high rank on the global scale. However, in spite of boasting of world-class standards, the medical services in Greece are pleasantly affordable. In fact, it flaunts some of the most pocket-friendly medical care prices across Europe and even globally.
The medical services that Greece provides run a comprehensive gamut. Cosmetic surgery and fertility treatments are particularly sought-after medical services, favoured by numerous medical tourists. Orthopedics also sees a consistent flow of patients, along with cardiac care procedures. The well-established oral and dental sector in Greece is another popular draw for people wanting to combine their medical treatments with a relaxing vacation. The availability of such diverse, high quality, yet affordable healthcare options certainly puts Greece on the map as a promising medical tourism destination.
The captivating city of Athens, the crown jewel of Greece, presents a dazzling blend of antiquated splendor, enchanting landscapes, and a vibrant modern core. The capital prides itself in harboring an unparalleled assortment of Greek ruins and antiques. Prime among them is the Acropolis, an iconic ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop. The Greek Agora, a central public space in ancient Greek city-states, adds an extra charm to Athens’ archaeological grandeur.
On the other hand, the striking island of Santorini stands as another touristic magnet in Greece. Admired far and wide, it carries the reputation of being the most breathtaking island in the country. The enormous allure of Santorini with its distinctive architecture, caldera views, and famous sunsets, keeps it perennially embedded in the bucket lists of travelers worldwide. From the captivating capital of Athens to the charming Santorini, Greece exhibits alluring facets that are truly hard to resist.
It is best known for its unique landscape and cliff-top towns. While Santorini is the most spectacular, Mykonos is the most glamorous. It is noted for its classy seafood restaurants and boutique hotels. Some of the most famous attractions in Mykonos, besides its beaches, are Paraportiani and Little Venice.
Set on the Mediterranean, Greece experiences a climate that is typically balmy and sun-soaked throughout the year with a cycle of four distinct seasons. Summers, spanning June to August, bring about warm and agreeable temperatures. This peak season draws in a large number of tourists, making it an ideal time to take a dive into the azure seas.
As September ushers in the fall season, the weather across Greece turns cooler but largely stays clear. On the flip side, winters starting from December to February reveal a different picture. Coastal cities remain warm but the country's northern regions experience significantly lower temperatures, occasionally even witnessing snowfall.
As March marks the arrival of spring, the weather begins to warm up again, though evenings can retain a cool nip in the air. Each season has its unique charm and adds to the overall allure of Greece.
Athens International Airport holds the distinction of being the largest and busiest hub for international air travel in Greece. This is typically the point of arrival and departure for a majority of international tourists exploring Greece. The extensive network of this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, connecting many global cities like Dubai, London, Moscow, and New York to the heart of Greece.
Among affordable means of transport, the ferry services stand out, particularly for travelling among the islands. They run on a frequent basis, with services especially ramped up during the sun-soaked summer months. For land travel, buses come across as largely comfortable and hassle-free, although the network is somewhat limited.
For intra-city travel within major Greek metropolises, the extensive network of buses and trolleybuses prove to be reliable options. Particularly in Athens, the capital city, the metro and tram systems offer additional efficient and cost-effective ways to explore the local attractions. Additionally, taxis, which are conveniently available quite everywhere, turn out to be extremely pocket-friendly. Whether hopping between islands or navigating city streets, Greece offers a range of transportation options to suit the needs and budgets of different travelers.
Greece is part of the Schengen Area, which means that citizens of most countries can travel to Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Greece:
Citizens of all other countries need to obtain a visa to visit Greece.
You can apply for a Greek tourist visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa application process can vary depending on the country where you are applying, but there are some general requirements that all applicants must meet, such as having a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of financial means.