ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to repair a torn ACL, a crucial ligament in the knee that provides stability. Commonly performed through minimally invasive arthroscopy, the surgery involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft, often sourced from the patient’s hamstring or patellar tendon. This graft acts as a scaffold for new tissue growth, ultimately restoring stability to the knee joint.

ACL reconstruction is often recommended for individuals with ACL injuries, particularly athletes or those with an active lifestyle. Post-surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential to regain strength, flexibility, and functionality, allowing patients to return to their normal activities with reduced risk of knee instability.

Depending on the patient’s lifestyle and the extent of the ACL tear, surgery may be required. An ACL that has been totally torn cannot mend by itself. However, research has indicated that in certain individuals with a partial ACL tear, the ligament may mend without the need for surgery.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery: Rebuilding Knee Stability

An ACL reconstruction surgery replaces the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) within your knee with a new graft, effectively restoring stability and enabling you to return to activities.

Diagnosis –?Your doctor confirms the ACL tear through physical examination, imaging tests like MRI.

Graft choice –?Your surgeon discusses options like hamstring, patellar tendon, or donor tissue (allograft), considering factors like age, activity level, and tissue availability.

Pre-operative preparations –?This includes stopping certain medications, managing chronic conditions, and understanding post-surgery expectations.

Anesthesia: General or regional anesthesia is used depending on your preference and medical history.

Minimally invasive approach: Small incisions are made around the knee joint.

Harvesting the graft –?The chosen tendon is carefully removed, usually from your hamstring or kneecap.

Preparing the joint –?The torn ACL remnant is removed, and tunnels are drilled into the shinbone (tibia) and thighbone (femur) to anchor the graft.

Graft placement –?The prepared graft is secured within the tunnels using screws, staples, or sutures.

Closure –?The incisions are closed with stitches or staples.

Immediate care –?Pain management, swelling control, and initial range-of-motion exercises begin in the hospital.

Physical therapy –?This crucial phase starts soon after surgery, focusing on regaining strength, flexibility, and balance in your knee.

Returning to activities –?Gradual progression takes place, with a timeframe depending on your healing and goals. Athletes might require 6-9 months, while others might see improvement within 4-6 months.