Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is a major stabilizing ligament in the knee. A ligament is a dense band of connective tissue, like a rope or cord. The ACL prevents abnormal movement of the thighbone (femur) on the shinbone (tibia).

People with ACL tears often complain that their leg gives outâ " and feel that they are unable to trust their leg, especially when they pivot, turn, or twist. This sensation is called instability.â " Instability can occur during sports and everyday activities. ACL injuries are very common. They often occur as a result of an abrupt twisting motion during sports or a fall. Often people say they twisted their knee, felt a pop, and then were unable to walk. Many report that the knee quickly became swollen and filled with fluid.

To diagnose an ACL tear a doctor will take a history and perform a physical examination. Certain abnormal movements occur in the knee after an ACL tear and the doctor can feel these movements during the examination. X-rays are performed and often an MRI is ordered. The X-rays show the bones of the knee, but do not show the ACL. The ACL is shown on an MRI.

Treatment options vary from physical therapy, to bracing, to surgery. Options are best discussed with the doctor. Often, people who wish to resume an active lifestyle choose to have surgery. Some patients need to have physical therapy before surgery to improve motion or strength. Occasionally, a torn meniscus can occur along with an ACL tear. Generally, both injuries are addressed during the same surgery.

Surgery

The surgery is done with the help of the arthroscope. The arthroscope is a camera that allows a surgeon to visualize the interior of the knee.

ACL surgery is called a "reconstructive surgery.â " That means that the torn ACL is removed and a new one is placed. A torn ACL will not heal back together, either on its own or if a doctor stitches the torn ends together. Therefore, in order for ACL function to be restored, a new ACL must be made. A new ACL is made with a graft which will serve as a replacement ligament. A graft is a piece of tissue from another part of the body or a cadaver. The graft is surgically placed in the proper location in the knee to function as a new ACL. You and your doctor will decide which graft choice is best for you.

Most of the surgery is done through small incisions with small tools, but some larger incisions are needed to obtain the graft and place it in its new location. During surgery, the torn ends of the ACL are removed and tunnels are drilled in the shin bone and thigh bone. These tunnels allow placement of the graft in the proper location to become the new ACL. The graft is held in place with metal or absorbable screws, stitches, or both. Over time, the graft ligament heals to the surrounding tissue and functions as a new ACL.

A graft ligament is taken from the center of the kneecap tendon and placed in the path of the old ACL

Example of a metal screw used to keep the graft ligament in place

Front view X-Ray after ACL Reconstruction showing screw placement

Side view X-Ray after ACL Reconstruction showing screw placement

Patients usually go home the same day. Patients often do not remember the surgery occurring, nor do they feel any pain during the surgery. They usually remember falling asleep and waking up in the recovery room. Often, a brace is placed on the leg at the end of the surgery, and the patient will wake up with the brace on.

According to the Anesthesia Manual of Surgical Procedures, pain from ACL surgery is rated at 6 out of 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain. Pain medication is given to control pain and keep patients comfortable after surgery. Pain predictably improves after surgery, especially after the first week.

What to expect after ACL Reconstruction surgery

Your doctor may prescribe a brace after surgery. If so, you will probably wake up from surgery with the brace on. Additionally, you may need to use crutches.

Front view X-Ray after ACL Reconstruction showing screw placement

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