ACL Injury and Treatment Options
Joints are held together with ligaments. Sometimes a ligament can tear causing a great deal of pain. The anterior cruciate ligament is located at the center of your knee. It prevents your tibia (shin bone) from moving forward onto your femur (thigh bone).
A torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) can cause your knee to collapse during strenuous activity. Not only is this immediately dangerous, it can lead to repeated collapse, causing cartilage damage and arthritis.
Fortunately, damaged ligaments can be replaced. ACL reconstructive surgery replaces your old anterior cruciate ligament with a new one. This new ligament could come from you (autograft) or from a cadaver (allograft).
If you decide to use an autograft, the tissue will probably come from your hamstring or the front of your knee (your patellar tendon).
There are pros and cons to both types of grafts; however, both are usually successful for most people. Talk with your surgeon to find out more.
Click here for more on treating ACL tears .
ACL Reconstruction is usually done under general anesthesia using arthroscopy.
Arthroscopy allows your surgeon to see the interior of your knee via a tiny camera inserted through a poke-hole. This allows your surgeon to see, not only the torn ACL , but also any other problems you may be having with your knee. These problems can be addressed during your ACL reconstruction.
There will be a few other incisions in addition to the poke-hole. First, if you are using your own tissue, an incision will need to be made to remove it. This is rather a larger incision. Then a few smaller incisions will be made to access and remove your damaged tissue. Your new tissue will be inserted via bone tunnels. It will be placed perfectly and secured with screws or a variety of surgical fasteners as appropriate.
When your surgery is done and your incisions have been closed, your knee will be bandaged, and you will be given time to recover from your anesthesia. At this time, you may be able to see the video of your surgery and confer with your surgeon on his or her findings and any concerns or questions you may have in mind.
