What is orthopedic surgery?
Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses on injuries and conditions involving your musculoskeletal system – the parts of your body that allow you to move and be active, including your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves.

What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed today. Through the use of small instruments and cameras, an orthoapedic surgeon can visualize, diagnose, and treat problems within the joints.

One or more small incisions are made around the joint to be viewed. The surgeon inserts an instrument called an arthoscope into the joint. The arthoscope contains a fiber optic light source and small television camera that allows the surgeon to view the joint on a television monitor and diagnose the problem, determine the extent of injury, and make any necessary repairs. Other instruments may be inserted to help view or reconstruct the tissues inside the joint.

Which hospitals are you affiliated with?
Dr. Marshall P. Allegra is affiliated with Bayshore Community Hospital, Riverview Medical Center, Shrewsbury Surgery Center and Metropolitan Surgical Instittute.

WHAT should I do to prepare for orthopedic surgery?

  • Do not eat after midnight before the surgery
  • Arrange to have someone pick you up after surgery
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing
  • It is best to leave unneeded items (rings, watches, cell phones etc) at home
  • It is a good to make sure your home is ready for your return
  • A few pre-made meals can really help to ease the transition back after the surgery
  • Do you have stairs at home? Make sure you practice with the crutches for safety.
  • Do you need to be driven anywhere? If so, it’s a good idea to pre-arrange these rides.

What is an ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that repairs a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the four ligaments that help stabilize the knee. The ligament is reconstructed using a tendon that is passed through the inside of the knee joint and secured to the upper leg bone (femur) and one of the two lower leg bones (tibia).

The tendon used for reconstruction is called a graft and can come from different sources. It is usually taken from the patient’s own patella, hamstring, or quadriceps, or it can come from a cadaver. ACL reconstruction is most often performed through arthroscopic surgery.