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Knee1.com strives to provide users with as many tools as possible to educate
themselves on their knee problems. In the past, we offered an interactive
"Ask an Expert" feature, but due to an extremely high volume of questions,
we are now seeking to find alternate ways to provide our users with access to the
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Below are some of the most-recently-answered questions from our Medical Experts. We recommend you read
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Question:
My son had ACL Reconstruction surgery, Arthroscopy,partial lateral menisceotomy, ACL replacement using autogenous patella, patella tendon, tibial tubercle graft,This surgery was in june 1995, He has had no problems with his knee since surgery, he was 15 yrs. old at time of surgery. Played football, baseball, the rest of his high school years. Was planning on joining the armed forces, but they turned him down because he has had this ACL surgery. Was just wondering about the interference screws? Are they still there? Do they just dissolve or what after healing takes place inside of knee to replace them?
| Dr. Farr |
Dr. Farr is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee and sports medicine. He serves on the board of the Orthopedic Research Foundation and is medical director of www.cartilagerestoration.org and www.myknee.md, where emphasis is on exploring new ways to treat damaged cartilage. Dr. Farr is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA).
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Answer:
I am not in the service and therefore do not know their policies. In the past, I was aware of patients HAVING ACL surgery to allow them to enter the service. There was required documentation of the associated injuries and post operative function. Regarding interference screw fixation, there are three general materials used: bioabsorbable, metal and allograft bone. The first gradually resorbs, the second remains unless surgically removed and the last is gradually assimilated by creeping substitution by the host (patient). The screws are no longer necessary after healing of the graft in the tunnels--approximately 6 weeks if all goes without a problem.
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